how to repair gelcoat cracks

To repair minor cracks in the gel coat:

• Start with a rotary tool to open the crack to a “V” shape.
• Fold a sheet of 80-grit sandpaper to make it rigid and scuff the open area.
• Remove the dust and fill the crack with epoxy resin supported with silica adhesive filler.

Full Answer

How to repair damaged gelcoat?

Part 3 of 3: Applying Wax to Restore the Gelcoat

1. Wear protective gear. The chemicals in wax can have a strong odor and getting any in your eyes can cause serious damage.
2. Pour some wax onto a soft cloth or foam pad. How much wax you should use will depend on the type of wax you're using.
3. Use a cloth to apply the wax by hand. ...
4. Use a buffer for large jobs. ...
5. Let the wax dry. ...
6. Move along the boat in sections. ...

More items...

How to fix a screw hole in gelcoat?

Take a small piece of the paste, and spread it over the hole using your putty knife. Some recommend placing a layer of masking take over the paste while it dries, in order to keep water out of it, but you don't have to do this if you are in a dry dock, or the screw hole is high above the water line.

How to repair gelcoat crazing?

Gelcoat Crazing. If the surface of your boat looks like a cracked eggshell, the gelcoat is suffering from crazing (sometimes called alligatoring). The easiest repair method is to sand the surface heavily and roll on two coats of epoxy primer followed by two coats of two-part linear polyurethane. What causes gelcoat crazing? Whatever the underlying ]

How to repaint gelcoat?

• Durability
• Appearance
• Repairability
• Maintenance

Can you fix spider cracks in gelcoat?

In order to properly fix any spider cracks, you will have to open the cracks to fill them up correctly. This can be done by using a Dremel. Once the crack is open and it has a good size you can sand and clean the area. For cleaning, you may use acetone or soap and water.

How do you get cracks out of gel coat on a boat?

0:428:44How To Fix Spider Cracks, Hairline Cracks, and Crazing in ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust painting on some Jocko is really effective. So what I'm going to do is I'm going to open up theMoreJust painting on some Jocko is really effective. So what I'm going to do is I'm going to open up the cracks with my dremel tool and that will give the joke out something to bite into.

How do you repair damaged gelcoat?

1:485:22How To Repair Boat Gelcoat [MATERIALS LIST ] | BoatUSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI thoroughly mix the Jocko and the catalyst together. And all I'm going to do is use one mixingMoreI thoroughly mix the Jocko and the catalyst together. And all I'm going to do is use one mixing stick. And drop it into the crack. And just tap it to make sure that there's no trapped air bubbles.

What causes spider cracks in gelcoat?

Spider cracks can indicate impact damage or serious structural problems that will need to be addressed to prevent spreading, but most often they result from relatively inflexible gelcoat that is too thick. Stress by thermal expansion or when bulkheads and liners were installed can cause minor flexing.

How do you repair fiberglass gelcoat?

5:1415:24Fiberglass Gelcoat Repair (So you hit something with your boat) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo without further ado I'm gonna get going putting some of this in here with some hardener mix. ItMoreSo without further ado I'm gonna get going putting some of this in here with some hardener mix. It up really well and then apply it to the boat. One other thing I should mention is that fiberglass

How do you fill cracks in a fiberglass boat?

0:392:51How to Repair Deep Cracks in Fiberglass Boats - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing the disposable brush saturate it with epoxy. One at a time apply and saturate theMoreUsing the disposable brush saturate it with epoxy. One at a time apply and saturate the progressively smaller pieces of fiberglass.

Can you gelcoat over old gelcoat?

Can You Spray Gelcoat Over Gelcoat? The short answer's yes. But first, make sure the surface is free from dirt and debris. Using the window frame analogy again, you wouldn't apply new paint over old paint without preparing the surface.

Can gelcoat be used as a filler?

Gelcoat filler is a filled version of polyester gelcoat. Due to its Higher viscosity, gelcoat filler allows you to fill larger voids, gouges, scrapes etc on vertical surfaces without sagging.

What is gelcoat putty used for?

Gelcoat Repair Putty is the BEST choice if you're in need of a fiberglass gelcoat repair kit! If you are wondering how to repair fiberglass or gelcoat on a boat then this Gelcoat Putty is the ONLY product you'll need to use, and the easiest way to fix it! 100% U.S. MADE! QUICK SET!

Can you buff out spider cracks?

The good news about these cracks is that they're largely cosmetic problems. This means you can apply a simple, cosmetic fix.

Are stress cracks normal on boats?

Stress cracks, spider cracks, and hairline cracks in the decks of older boats are, of course, not rare. Sometimes, they're merely cosmetic, meaning they don't penetrate the gelcoat. Sometimes, they go deeper and threaten an underlying laminate, which in many cases is cored.

Q: How do I repair a gouge in a fiberglass boat?

A: Fill the gouge with filler and sand out any other scratches while waiting for the filler to cure. Apply your gel coat to the filled gouges and s...

Q: When do I need to repair cracks in the gel coat?

A: You'll need to repair the gel coat as soon as you notice any cracks or scratches. Immediate repair ensures you don't have to deal with water dam...

Q: What does professional gel coat repair cost?

A: Repairing the gel coat yourself is a great way to save some money you can use for bait or gas for your next fishing trip. However, we understand...

Q: Can I blend my gel coat?

A: Yes, you can wet sand the repair work to seamlessly blend the new gel coat into the original. Start with 240-grit sandpaper followed by 400-grit...

Q: What is a brushable gel coat?

A: The brushable gel coat offers boaters a purpose-formulated product designed to apply like paint and do away with the need for spray equipment du...

What to use to mix gelcoat?

Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask when you mix the gelcoat. If your gelcoat repair kit doesn’t come with a mixing stick, then use a clean craft stick (like a wooden popsicle stick) to mix the gelcoat.

How long does it take for gelcoat to dry?

Let the gelcoat dry for at least 8 hours to cure. Leave the repaired area to dry overnight or for at least 8 hours. This will ensure that the gelcoat is hard enough for sanding and finishing. Touch the gelcoat to make sure it is hard before you proceed to sand it.

What is gelcoat on boats?

Gelcoat is the protective coating that covers the fiberglass of boats and other watercraft. When you get a gouge or a scratch in the gelcoat of your fiberglass, you will have to clean it up by grinding or sanding before you can repair it. Then, you’ll need to buy a wax gelcoat repair kit that matches the color of your gelcoat ...

How to smooth out scratches on a car?

Switch to 150-grit sandpaper and sand until the scratched area is evenly smooth, then switch to 240-grit sandpaper and sand it until the texture becomes even smoother and the damage is blended in to the area around it. You can use this method for very thin scratches that don’t have sharp edges. ...

How to make gelcoat with peanut butter?

Pour the amounts of each part recommended by the manufacturer into a plastic or paper disposable cup. Stir it with a mixing stick for at least 1 full minute or until it is about the consistency of peanut butter. Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask when you mix the gelcoat.

How to fix a spot on a car?

1. Purchase a wax gelcoat repair kit that matches the color of the damaged spot. Gelcoat repair kits come with 2 parts that you mix together right before applying it to the damaged area. Try to match the color as closely as possible or get a kit that has different pigments you can add while mixing to change the color.

How to clean a damaged surface?

Wipe the surface of the damaged area with acetone to clean it. Pour a bit of acetone onto a clean cloth. Wipe over the area you will repair to remove dirt, dust, and any other surface residues. If there is a lot of dust from sanding and grinding, you can also use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck it up.

How to repair cracks in fiberglass?

If the underlying problem for the hairline cracks is not handled, re-gelcoating over them will only be a temporary fix, such as a soggy core or broken support. The cracking has stemmed from a crack below the gelcoat and in the fiberglass. This is one option to repair those cracks: 1 Using a Dremel tool, remove the gelcoat on either edge of the crack, all the way down its length. Basically this widens the gap and reveals the fiberglass layer beneath. 2 Determine if there is a crack in the fiberglass. If there is, it needs to be filled with a putty containing fiberglass strands. Duraglas Fiberglass Filler is one option. 3 Apply Gelcoat to the area. Can be brushed, rolled (using Brushable Gelcoat) or spray applied.

How to spread gelcoat over gouge?

Since the paste will shrink slightly as it dries, make sure you put a little extra paste on the “wound”. A slight bulge will be ideal after the paste is applied.

What is 3M Marine High Strength Repair Filler?

When the damage is a larger (like a screw hole) you made need 3M’s Preminum Marine Filler or 3M Marine High Strength Repair Filler. These are for bonding and filling repairs above or below the waterline and can be sanded. Some customers prefer to mix some thickener (cabosil) and gelcoat to a thick consistency.

Can you use gelcoat for gouges?

For deeper gouges, you will need to purchase gelcoat in various colors. Tints are available as well if custom matching larger quantities of gelcoat or paste. The kit will contain everything you need to do the job including some tints for matching.

Can you re-gelcoat hairline cracks?

If the underlying problem for the hairline cracks is not handled, re-gelcoating over them will only be a temporary fix , such as a soggy core or broken support. The cracking has stemmed from a crack below the gelcoat and in the fiberglass. This is one option to repair those cracks:

Can you use gelcoat putty on a deep scratch?

As long as the gelcoat around the deep scratch is in good condition, you will be able to use gelcoat putty , requires mixing MEKP catalyst -once mixed properly it can be worked with a putty knife for filling, or you can make one using gelcoat and an aerosil filler/thickener. Once the filler is applied, the service will be uneven so sanding ...

What are the cracks in fiberglass boats?

Hairline cracks, stress cracks or spider cracks (star cracks) that occur in gelcoat surfaces on fiberglass boats or other water craft are often seen as a cosmetic issue. In most cases this is true, however it is important to seal them correctly otherwise water may penetrate into the fiberglass and cause more serious damage.

Why are fiberglass boats cracking?

These problems occur as a result of: Manufacturing defects. Environmental challenges. Stress and movement. Also, older fiberglass boats tend to have a thicker application of gelcoat which means they are more susceptible to cracking. Stress cracks first appear as very fine hairline cracks.

What causes radial cracks in boat?

Radial cracks (spider cracks, star cracks) – caused by impact or by a fixture / bolt that puts strain on a certain area of a boat and cracks occur around the hole. Thermal fatigue cracks – when gelcoat repeatedly expands or contracts. These might be in a parallel pattern or a non-directional pattern.

Why do resin cracks get bigger?

The main causes are: Swelling of the resin due to water diffusion. Wave action and rigging stresses.

How to avoid spider cracks in fiberglass?

Spider cracks can be avoided by countersinking holes just through the gelcoat, so the load is placed on the structural fiberglass rather than the brittle gelcoat. There’s also a great article on how to drill holes correctly to avoid chipping and cracking in fiberglass.

Can you repair stress cracks on fiberglass?

Most stress cracks occur in the gelcoat layer of fiberglass surfaces and can be repaired by yourself. If structural damage is suspected, you should get your boat inspected by a qualified boat repairer. These problems occur as a result of:

Why does gelcoat crack?

Despite the durability of gelcoat, the tough film can deteriorate over time. High-performance speed craft, such as bass boats, flex as they move through the water, causing the rigid boat gel coat to crack. Spider and hairline cracks can also occur from environmental stress or impact. The keel is especially prone to damage from accidental impact ...

How to restore gelcoat on boat?

If your gelcoat has oxidized, giving it a dull, chalky appearance, you can simply use a gelcoat oxidation remover to sand and polish the surface to a low sheen without the need for full repairs.

How to remove PVA from a drywall wall?

Finish with a light sanding using 1,000-grit paper and buff the area with rubbing compound. Buffing gelcoat must be done delicately so as not to create heat that can stain the surface. Finally, apply a coat of wax-based gel coat polish .

What to use to fill scratches on boat?

Deep scratches and gouges need to be filled with resin and an epoxy-based filler before continuing. Although more expensive than polyester filler, epoxy adheres better and lasts longer. However, there are additional steps you need to take before applying the final coat of gelcoat and/or boat paint.

How to get rid of gelcoat spatter?

Tape off any sensitive items or adjacent areas that may be damaged from gelcoat spatter or accidental sanding. You can also apply masking paper to prevent overspray if you are using a spray gelcoat restorer. Sand the entire taped-off area with 360-grit paper and clean up with acetone.

How much does it cost to repair gelcoat on a boat?

For large surface repairs, it is recommended that you take your boat to a professional, which can cost between $70 and $110 per hour .

What is Durabak overcoat?

Durabak is a more heavy-duty and flexible alternative to gel coat that won’t crack or peel over time or get scratched from impact.

How to fix a crack in a drywall wall?

The instructions direct you to clean the cracks out with a fine needle and then to wash, rinse, and dry. Although slightly tedious, the needle step is very important. Do not attempt to widen the crack-the Fix will seep into very thin cracks. They then direct you to carefully fill, level, and wipe around the crack.

Why do spiders crack?

Spider cracks can indicate impact damage or serious structural problems that will need to be addressed to prevent spreading, but most often they result from relatively inflexible gelcoat that is too thick. Stress by thermal expansion or when bulkheads and liners were installed can cause minor flexing.

Safety

Protect yourself, especially from dust and fumes. Use common sense, and read and understand all the safety instructions that come with your tools and materials. Catalyst is especially noxious; avoid breathing in the fumes. Wear a respirator, Tyvek suit, and disposable gloves.

Lenny Makes Her Shine!

In spring 2017, BoatUS Magazine's contributing editor Lenny Rudow held a webinar on maintaining and polishing fiberglass gelcoat, and showed us how to keep our hulls in top condition. After years of boat ownership, and using every product under the sun, he also revealed his personal favorite waxes and polishes, and how best to apply them.

Honoring The Epoxy King

You may not know the name, but any DIYer worth his salt knows well his revolutionary creation that altered the way boats are built and repaired. Meade Gougeon, 78, died peacefully at home on August 27. Along with his brothers Jan and Joel, he founded Gougeon Brothers in 1969.

Author

A marine surveyor and holder of RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certification, BoatUS Magazine contributing editor Mark Corke is one of our DIY gurus, creating easy-to-follow how-to articles and videos.