Gelcoat Repair
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=20791
Printed Date: November-20-2024 at 6:45am
Topic: Gelcoat Repair
Posted By: Keeganino
Subject: Gelcoat Repair
Date Posted: March-01-2011 at 7:11pm
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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. ------------- "working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4897" rel="nofollow - 1973 Skier |
Replies:
Posted By: Keeganino
Date Posted: March-01-2011 at 11:47pm
More hardener makes it darker? By filler I mean under or before the gelcoat- like bondo. Not an additive to the actual gelcoat. I think I am just going to pick up a tube of evercoat at the local marina and give it a shot. I have several spots to repair which is the only reason I was considering getting a quart from USC. About the same price as a 1oz kit at the marina that comes with all the colors I dont need. ------------- "working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4897" rel="nofollow - 1973 Skier |
DrCC wrote:Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: March-01-2011 at 11:59pm
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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. |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: March-02-2011 at 12:03am
| My '74 for example, Takes white with a very little caramel (yellow and brown) with an ever so slight hint of green. |
Posted By: lakedog55
Date Posted: March-02-2011 at 10:23am
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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. ------------- Lakedog55 |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: March-02-2011 at 7:13pm
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While tinting to match, start tinting with just a teaspoon or tablespoon (small amount) of white. Then use that to color your batch.
Tinting the whole batch with straight pigment can go horribly wrong very quickly. |
Posted By: Keeganino
Date Posted: March-02-2011 at 8:02pm
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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. ------------- "working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4897" rel="nofollow - 1973 Skier |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: March-02-2011 at 9:10pm
| I've never used a neutral. I've always started with the pure white. |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: March-02-2011 at 10:40pm
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Keegan,
Check out Mini-Craft of Florida. They have a spray repair kit. FYI, Donald |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: March-02-2011 at 10:53pm
Don't bother with minicraft matching Keegan.They won't be able to match it in their quarts let alone in a spray.I used them for my gelcoat,but with 40 year old boats,you will have to match it yourself.I got their color wheel picked a color that was close,and got it the rest of the way myself.You need to come to sjrr.Sneek away,play hooky,call in sick what ever you have to do,I'll show you how I did mine.I'll bring the color wheel  see you there------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: March-02-2011 at 10:57pm
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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 |
Posted By: Keeganino
Date Posted: March-02-2011 at 11:25pm
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Gary I wish that I could make the river run but we have had our Spring Break trip to Baldhead Island planned for a year that is gonna eat up all of our time off.
I want to get the chips done around the rub rail before they go back on ------------- "working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4897" rel="nofollow - 1973 Skier |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: March-02-2011 at 11:29pm
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Will do Don,I'll put it in the boat right now so I don't forget! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: March-02-2011 at 11:35pm
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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. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Keeganino
Date Posted: March-03-2011 at 12:17am
The deck is listed as "Pure White". Sounds so easy!  ------------- "working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4897" rel="nofollow - 1973 Skier |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: March-03-2011 at 12:29am
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Sorry than Keegan it will be way off.You will be surprised of how many "whites" there are. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: March-03-2011 at 12:38am
| 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. |
Posted By: lakedog55
Date Posted: March-03-2011 at 3:15pm
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you guys are going to be in silver glenn , thats about 30 minutes from my house I wish I was done ------------- Lakedog55 |
Posted By: lakedog55
Date Posted: March-03-2011 at 3:21pm
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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. ------------- Lakedog55 |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: March-03-2011 at 4:15pm
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Here's a link to the 2010 St.Johns River Run. Photos begin on page 9.
http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=16170&title=st-johns-river-run-2010--2-19-21 - 2010 SJRR |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: March-03-2011 at 6:03pm
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. mailto:sales@actionscreen.com - email me your Phone # please ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |