By removing the air, there are no problems with any waxy surface. Assistance on the water has never been easier with TowBoatUS CONNECT in the BoatUS App the fastest way to get a tow! Adding too much catalyst gives insufficient working time; too little, and the gelcoat wont properly cure. The simpler way is to always use the waxed kind, lightly wet-sanding the cured surface between coats. It might be from a muffed landing, a dropped pair of fishing pliers or just a hole drilled in the wrong place. Gel Coat film too heavy. In this video we'll show you how to make a boat gelcoat repair on vertical surface. Otherwise it will stay tacky to the touch. Such as: FGCIs high level ISO/NPG resin based Gelcoat, composed of the highest quality pigments, will provide the best combination of the above-mentioned properties. Have always gotten the right stuff for the right job. Gelcoat Repair Kits: Bondo Best In the beginning, there was paint, and for a long time the repair of scratches and gouges was relatively simple. Note that Im using waxed gelcoat, which cures even when exposed to air. Waterproof abrasive paper in various grits from 120 to 600, Random-orbit sander & extension cord, if needed, 3" plastic shipping tape (3M Scotch or similar). This is a question Gougeon Technical Advisors are asked all the time. If needed, apply more filler. This step is important because it will allow the repair materials to bond properly with the existing fiberglass. Metering pumps that keep resin and hardener in the correct ratio, and a range of fillers and fairing compounds, have further extended epoxy applications. For this reason, you'll often see "waxed" and "nonwaxed" gelcoat for sale. Purists might disagree, but in cases of light to moderate oxidation, one-step products make perfect sense. The ultimate solution to overcome this condition is applying a gel coat over the surface. Again, use 400-grit and then 600-grit wet-sanding sandpaper (you can start with 220-grit first, if the repair surface is very uneven), along with a sanding block, to ensure a smooth finish. One problem with using a Mylar wrap is that it can trap air bubbles, as seen here. Wipe down the area with acetone to clean off any residue, such as wax, that would interfere with the repair. Use common sense, and read and understand all the safety instructions that come with your tools and materials. The sides of the flybridge are structurally sound but looking rough. 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. If cracks appear at important joints or intersections in the cabin or deck, however, they might be the sign of an underlying structural weakness that needs to be examined. Once the surface is smooth and free of imperfections, wipe down the surface with a lint-free cloth dampened with acetone. In 2015, Meade was inducted with his brother Jan, who died in 2012, into the National Sailing Hall of Fame. Sometimes, molded-in non-skid areas can be difficult to clean. 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. 03-08-2018, 09:28 AM I have a couple of small, cosmetic defects on the gelcoat surface of my radar arch that I want to repair. Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information, Random orbital polisher or circular polisher (AC units must be GFCI-protected). Many of these are minor and limited to the gelcoat that smooth, shiny outer layer of the fiberglass layup. Mylar is often included in gelcoat repair kits.Some people claim that they can apply Mylar and get a perfect repair that requires no sanding, but Ive only seen that work with small repairs on relatively flat surfaces. Protect yourself, especially from dust and fumes. There are several types of wax, each of which has its adherents. Why? For more on the proper way to polish gelcoat and apply wax, check our Advisor Do-It-Yourself: Gelcoat Repairs which includes an instructive video that covers gelcoat restoration, scratch repair, and polishing and waxing techniques. All Rights Reserved. Gelcoat is the first thing sprayed into a female mold when a boat is built, usually to a thickness of .5 to 1 mm. When doing repairs, see if you can buy gelcoat from your boats manufacturer so youll know the color will match. Topside Gelcoat Repair Advertisement Repairing scrapes in your hull isn't as difficult as you'd think. Which type you use will depend on the repair and your method of application. Any undulations are easiest to spot this way. Gelcoat is a layer of a resin-based polymer applied to the boat's exterior. Apply several thinner coats instead of one thick coat. Ive had good luck with disposable Preval sprayers available from home stores. We use cookies to enhance your visit to our website and to improve your experience. If you get gelcoat on your skin, wash it off right away with soap and water. This means that your project will maintain its durability and appearance, even under harsh environmental conditions. Apply two mist coats 0.1 to 0.2 mm thick followed by final build up to 0.6 to 0.8mm. If you do not receive an email contact Customer Service. Stains can be localized or in the case of some boats cover the entire topsides and hull. 11. The simpler way is to always use the waxed kind, lightly wet-sanding the cured surface between coats. Do not apply wax under direct sunlight. NASA's Wind Energy Project Office had Gougeon Brothers manufacture epoxy-laminated wood specimens for testing the strength of an epoxy bond between that and a threaded steel rod. We stock a wide variety of colors in marine and tooling gelcoat. In addition to sealing out oxygen, which prevents oxidation, many waxes contain inhibitors that protect gelcoat against damaging UV light. FGCI Gelcoat has improved anti-sag and anti-cracking qualities, making it an industry leader in gelcoat technology. Along with his brothers Jan and Joel, he founded Gougeon Brothers in 1969. 6. Then use a fine cutting compound with a wool pad to finish off before applying a good quality wax to protect the surface and prolong the shine. Then use a fine cutting compound with a wool pad to finish off before applying a good quality wax to protect the surface and prolong the shine. Fortunately, this area is still solid. As an added check, sight across the surface from several angles with the side of your head almost touching the surface. The samples were so strong that they broke NASA's testing machine. Use caution not to sand the surrounding gelcoat, as on some boats it is quite thin and you could sand through it.Once blended, I use 800 grit to remove any remaining scratches and bring out the shine somewhat. Wear a respirator, Tyvek suit, and latex or nitrile gloves. Be sure that your shower or the bathtub is made out of fiber firstly. Heres what you need to know to get started in gelcoat repair, start to finish. Our Gelcoat is known for its excellent adhesion properties and is easy to apply. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation and proper protection for your skin and eyes whenever you work with acetone. The gelcoat catalyst is especially noxious; avoid breathing in the fumes. Use plenty of tape and a plastic sheet to protect the boat from damage and drips. Gain confidence before moving on to more visible spots on the boat. For small jobs, such as repairs to hairline cracks, a piece of plastic shipping tape, of the type mentioned earlier in this article, is a great option. Once the gelcoat has fully cured, sand the repair smooth (wet sanding works particularly well with gelcoat). JavaScript is disabled. The Gougeons were behind the formulation and manufacture of West System and PRO-SET epoxies that were like nothing that came before them. If you replace an antenna or other item topsides on your boat, you'll be left with an unsightly hole. After the gelcoat is cured (I gave it about eight hours), sand down the repair until its flush with the surrounding surface. An additive to add a high-gloss to gelcoat. If you plan on using an AC machine with your boat in the water, make sure the machine is GFCI-protected, since water and electricity are a dangerous combination. A gel coat can be used over top and adhere well. Dont leave any soap scrum or any other substances on the surface; you may use sandpaper and rub the area to achieve this.Mix the solution as per the instructions.Determine if you need mesh on the surface.Match the color (use the given colorant).Use the given tool to apply the solution and allow it to harden (about 2 hours).Sandpaper only the area carefully (dont overdo it).Add another resin and colorant (dont make it thick).Buff the area and get the glossy finish.Although it can bea DIY task, it is always better to hire a professional to repair the gel coat if you expect a professional finish. Building up a decent thickness, especially if you have a deep gouge, could take some time. FGCI Marine Grade Gelcoat is a high-performance gelcoat that is widely used in various industries. Polishes and rubbing compounds can be applied by machine or by hand. Leave the filler to cure overnight, then use a random-orbit sander with 120-grit paper to sand the filled holes flush and fair with the surrounding gelcoat surface. Paste wax to protect it. The hull topsides were gelcoated using rollers, which we were told was a very simple process. Also a skippered charter friend did his large cockpit by spraying in two-pack a couple of years ago. Privacy Policy. In many respects, gelcoat is similar to paint. Repairing minor damage to your fiberglass gelcoat before it has a chance to get worse is important and with our wide variety of marine gelcoat repair products, we make it easy to get the job done right. After all, we havent been in business for over 60 years without ensuring our quality standards are the highest, and accompanied with the best customer service! If they're small or shallow, you can use some thickened gelcoat.The ones on my boat are one-quarter inch diameter, so I use epoxy filler, which has the consistency of peanut butter. Our gelcoat not only provides exceptional protection and durability to your boat, but it also exceeds MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) Compliance. Then sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Shallow scratches can often be wet sanded and buffed out. Once the gelcoat is completely hardened (only a matter of hours, generally), its time to blend the repair into the original surface. Protect yourself, especially from dust and fumes. Look for stress cracks around stanchions or other areas that might be an indication of an underlying structural problem. Then switch to 240-grit before finishing off with 400-grit, which removes any scratches left by the coarser papers. When the gelcoat paste is fully cured, it's time to wet-sand the area smooth. As it begins to gel, it this will become easier, but you will need to move more quickly before it becomes too thick to apply. Take that, and dab it into the crack until it's full. You may need to thin the gelcoat a little with some styrene to get it to flow properly. Today I undertook repairing large gel coat chips that are under the window frame. Additionally, FGCI Gelcoats improved anti-cracking qualities ensure that it is resistant to cracking and crazing over time. You can sand it by hand, but it will take longer. What was in less-than-stellar shape, however, were the sides of the flybridge that once had a plethora of antennas and other equipment, since removed, leaving behind some ugly holes and previous weak attempts at repair. Unfortunately, mere soap and water frequently wont remove all the stains, which exist at a deeper level within the porous gelcoat surface. On this one, I used polishing compound on a rag, followed by Mirror Glaze Sealer and Reseal Glaze. At least twice a season (beginning and end), apply two coats of thick paste wax by hand with application pads; Lenny's favorites are Collinite heavy-duty Fleetwax for Marine and Aeronautical or 3M Ultra performance paste wax. In most cases, scratches in gelcoat are purely cosmetic and don't affect the underlying integrity of the actual fiberglass, but you'll still want to address them to prevent moisture from migrating into the laminate as well as to preserve the appearance of the boat. It's full of great tips and techniques. Apart from rinsing residue-free, marine boat soaps are better for the . I used a random-orbit sander with 180 grit abrasive paper. Our gelcoat is formulated with specialized bonding agents that enable it to bond firmly to the surface, providing a smooth and durable finish. Tinting kits are available from gelcoat suppliers. My Grand Banks 32, Seaglass, is in good condition for her age.