Gelcoat Repair

I have been reading about gelcoat repair for a week now and was trying to avoid another gelcoat thread but alas I still have questions.

When do I use a filler instead of just applying gel? Or rather how deep does it need to be before gelcoat alone is not going to fill the void. I have a few spots that are down to the bare glass. Will the gel alone fill this kind of void?

Any suggestions on tinting the pure white gel to try and match the aged white on the deck?



I have all of my rubrails off right now and am polishing them and I want to get these spots right next to the rail fixed before I put them back on.

Looking at ordering gel in the next couple of days. US composites seems to have the best prices out there. Any suggestions on brands? Also which filler is best?

Thanks I will post pics as I go.

Yes, Too much hardener.
Those little spots, I wouldn't use any filler.

To match yours, you'll need a touch of yellow, brown and sometimes also green, blue or red.

I am going to try the to fix mine as well, Do not forget the waxing agent. for sanding I ordered the neutral from Us composites and am going to try a little of try halyard or off white, Unfortunately I ordered a quart of the neutral and they sent a quart of halyard. So if you need some I could send Since I have so much if I get some time I will mix it up. My boat is what they call taffy, creme and as aged lighter. Looks very similar to yours.

Dr thanks for the tips. DO you suggest starting with white or starting with neutral and mixing to color?

Guess I need to wait for a warmer day since it is in the upper 50's low 60's right now. Will keep sanding and polishing my rub rails. Got one partially buffed and it looks great.

Thanks for the offer lakedog. Still need to look up that color.

Keegan,

Check out Mini-Craft of Florida. They have a spray repair kit.

FYI,

Donald

Gary,

Please bring your color wheel. I will be at the SJRR and I would like you to show me how you did it.

Thanks,

Donald

Will do Don,I'll put it in the boat right now so I don't forget!

The deck is listed as "Pure White". Sounds so easy!

For you guys that are going to SJRR, take your cameras.   I really like all the great photos of the crystal clear waters of the Silver Glen Springs.

You guys can also put in at the Ocala boat basin and idle up the silver river which leads to silver springs Aka Glass bottom boats, It also connects to the Ocklawaha which runs to the chain of lakes to the south and all the way to Jax, But I would want to find out the condition of the river before getting to crazy out there, It is very scenic. Easy to get lost lots of branches that start off looking just like the river only to lead to nowhere but minus a few beers it is pretty simple to navigate.

Gary S wrote: Keegan what color did Correct Craft call your deck? Mine is Taffy Ivory as per the brochure.Check yours and let me know,I might be able to help you out.

Gary, I need to talk to you, I have the taffy gel and am planning on doing a little repair work this spring. If yours is a match for mine I'd gladly pay you for a bit of it.

email me your Phone # please