Gel Coat 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=2799
Printed Date: January-16-2025 at 8:17am
Topic: Gel Coat repair
Posted By: 81nautique
Subject: Gel Coat repair
Date Posted: December-15-2005 at 7:39am
I've got a few gel coat repairs from the PO letting the boat bang on a dock overnite after a drunken booze cruise.
I have a source for the gelcoat from a history search but have never worked with the stuff. Does anyone have a step by step process for these small repairs they could share. Much appreciated 
 ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Replies:
Posted By: fishyflorida
Date Posted: December-15-2005 at 8:16am
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There are many sets of instructions online from the various marine websites; try these and see if they are helpful:
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/02.htm http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/bo_maintenance_repair/article/0,2021,DIY_13718_2278093,00.html http://www.sailnet.com/collections/articles/index.cfm?articleid=caseyd0042 |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: December-20-2005 at 8:31pm
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Fishy, I finally got a chance to read those articles, very helpful. thanks ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: stang72
Date Posted: December-20-2005 at 8:57pm
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Try minicraft in Fla...they have a bunch of gel products...they have correct craft hull colors...keep in mind though...they won't match with the natural fade in the old gel.For small repairs like yours... I have had good but not great results using the Evercoat paist gel with pigment...I got close with orange!Looks better than the chip.Depends on how picky do you want to be? You just keep playing with the pigments until you think it's a match.You can wet sand it and buff it to a gloss...and hope it blends ok. If you use that product, be sure to use the wax like paper that comes with it...it's pressed on the fix spot and helps it cure. without the paper...it will cure sticky.
If you find a better way...please post it! ------------- stang Face plants are not that funny when it's you face! http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/images/3720/photo1.jpg" rel="nofollow - The Super Air |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: December-21-2005 at 5:52am
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Stang,
I have MWCC sending me a small bottle of gelcoat that they say should match my boat fairly well. Thanks for the wax paper tip. I'm trying to get the boat into my warehouse next week so I can get it warmed up, I've got to do the carpeting and then I'll give the gel repairs a try. What is Styrene? The articles say to rub the repair area with styrene before applying the new gelcoat to reactivate the old gel and get a chemical bond as opposed to a purely mechanical bond. Is this a liquid and where can I get it? AutoBody Repair shop maybe? Thanks ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: Bob's2001
Date Posted: December-21-2005 at 8:55pm
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Styrene is a type of plastic. Model cars are made from styrene. ------------- Bob Ed 83 2001 |
Posted By: fishyflorida
Date Posted: December-23-2005 at 1:38pm
| The Styrene they are talking about is in liquid form, and available at a fiberglass supply store. It is used to both clean and thin (in small amounts) the resin. If the gelcoat comes "waxed", meaning a liquid wax is in the resin, no wax paper is needed. The wax comes to the surface during curing and does the same thing (seals off the air). |
Posted By: wrollema
Date Posted: December-28-2005 at 8:49am
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Save yourself some time and aggravation go to a local body shop and pick up some filler designed for fiberglass. The damage to your boat appears to be very deep and Gelkote is not designed to fill holes that deep. It can be done but it will take numerous coats.
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Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: December-28-2005 at 8:19pm
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wrollema,
The gelcoat MWCC sent me is already thickened. I'm going to try a smaller repair first and see how it goes. To make sure I follow you, I would use the filler you suggested to fill the void but then still finish the repair with the gelcoat,right? Thanks. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: December-29-2005 at 5:48am
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don't know if I would agree with the last statement, too deep, it appears that no glass was removed and only the gelcoat is gone so if you applied it in a couple of thinner layers you wouldn't have an issue. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: David F
Date Posted: January-04-2006 at 8:24am
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No problem repairing indicated damage with gel coat alone. Follow these steps for great results:
1. Use Acetone to thouroughly clean the areas to be repaired. 2. Use course sand paper and thouroughly roughen up the area to be repaired. Get in deep with the sand paper. 3. Clean again with Acetone. 4. Using a small brush or even a popsicle stick, work the new gel coat into the divit or over the sanded/scratched areas. Make sure the new gel coat is proud of the original surface. 5. Using clear packaging tape, cover the new gel coat to allow it to cure to the surface as well as level out the gel coat. 6. After the gel coat has cured over night, remove the tape and thouroughly wipe the repair down with Acetone to remove any uncured surface gel coat. The Acetone will in NO way affect fully cured gel coat. 7. Spray a Acetone dampened rag with black spray paint and wipe the repaired area until it is slightly black in color. This is called a tracer. 8. Starting with 120 or 220 sand paper, carefully sand the repair until the black tracer disappears. Be careful not to go deeper than original surface. If you have low spots repeat the entire process. If you have a very small black dot, forget about it and move on, but do not try to sand the black dot out. 9. Re-apply the tracer coat and switch to 220 or 320 sand paper. Sand a larger area and stop when tracer is gone. 10. Re-apply tracer and switch to 400 paper. Sand a larger area and stop when tracer is gone. 11. Switch to 600 paper and sand a larger area. 12. Switch to 800/900 paper and sand a larger area. 13. Compound and buff out. Notes: You MUST use a rigid sanding block until you get to 600 grit paper. Rubber sanding blocks are NOT to be used. If you end up with a small black dot or two, simply sand out by hand or ignore and remove the black with Acetone. You will not notice the spot in the final product. For these types of repairs, thicker gel coat is desirable, so no need to thin with Styrene. Under no circumstances should gel coat be thinned with Acetone. Gel coat is catalyzed with 2% MEKP. Use more to accelerate the cure. Too little catalyst is problematic. If the gelcoat does not cure properly, just wipe off with Acetone and try again. If you must apply more gel coat over the new gel coat, then make sure you sand with at least 120 grit paper to provide adequate tooth for proper adhesion. Let me know if you have more questions. |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: January-04-2006 at 8:50am
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Thanks very much Dave, that's what I was looking for. I've got a few nicks along the chine also so I will start there and once I get the hang of it I'll do the ones topside.
Thanks again, Alan ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: tjackle
Date Posted: January-08-2006 at 1:46pm
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Hey 81,
You think you can post some pics of the finished repair and tell me the degree of difficulty? I have one or two dings about that size I need to fix and I'm looking for the best way to go about it. |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: January-08-2006 at 6:05pm
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Tjackle,
I'd be glad to post photos when done but may be a few weeks before I get to it. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: tjackle
Date Posted: January-10-2006 at 9:32pm
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You da man
Nice ride by the way... Hope to get some pics of mine on here soon. 
|
Posted By: fishyflorida
Date Posted: January-13-2006 at 11:59am
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This may be too expensive for this small damage; however, for larger repairs you might want to look into this gelcoat repair kit - custom color matched.
http://www.minicraft.com/retail/gcrepairkit.htm |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: January-13-2006 at 6:11pm
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Thanks Fishy,
I've seen that kit and that is my second option if the kit MWCC sent me doesn't match good enough. The kit from MWCC only cost $15 so I thought I'd try that one first. I hope to do a test tommorrow so we'll find out shortly. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: p/allen
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 3:14pm
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Alan
Im interested to see or hear how this repair has turned out . Ihave quite a few dings and scratches that look just like these fro PO. Obviously CC. abuse.There should be a support group for things like that so it dont happen again ------------- Pat http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w146/72ccfan/100_5977-1.jpg - My 72 Skier Rock River Dixon,ILL. |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 5:41pm
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p/allen,
I followed davidf instructions to the letter and am very happy with the results. I fixed all the chips and any stratches that were too deep to sand out and the boat looks great. As for the actual process it just takes some time and patience but is not that hard. Now for the real story, There are a few spots on the boat that I am going to redo because I am not happy with the color match that I came up with. My solutions is to send a sample piece of my gelcoat to Mini craft and for $60 they will scan the chip and custom mix some gel to match. Most of the repairs are in spots that are not that obvious but a few are going to be noticed and I will redo them later. here's a photo of one but it may be hard to see because the flash was washing out the photo, 
This is the same spot on the boat from my first post, if not for the color match you could not tell it was repaired. Ps. I ended up wetsanding the entire boat up to 1500 and then buffed it. If you had seen this boat before I started you would not beleive it was the same one. That too is labor intensive but very worth it. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: p/allen
Date Posted: March-18-2006 at 8:26pm
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Alan
That repair looks nice . I can apreciate all of the work that you put into your boat . When I bought my boat 12 years ago it had been sitting up on the trailer for 2 years under two trees and found a squirl nest under the bow .It also had a hole rubbed in the bottom of it at the bow from PO . leaving it sit in the water and rubbing on the sand and rocks along with the 1/8 inch of dried Rock River scum . I tried everything to get that stuff off . Finnaly muratic acid , patched the hole, buffed it out and made it run .I have been having fun with it ever since . Unfortunatly I have to many irons in the fire to finish the job right now . ------------- Pat http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w146/72ccfan/100_5977-1.jpg - My 72 Skier Rock River Dixon,ILL. |
Posted By: ultrahots
Date Posted: March-19-2006 at 12:04am
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Alan,The boat looks awesome.Yes the chunks are from Beer Peir as i call them.Last time i saw your boat it had a VERY full cocktail cooler on it last foruth of July.It was almost comical to watch him try to go thru the "No Wake Zone" near my house.I cannot wait to see it in Green Lake and i will be doing a lot of deck / side repairs as soon as it is warm enough.
P.S. Do they offer Black as a gel color as well ? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6960&sort=&pagenum=2&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1980 Show Nautique |
Posted By: stang72
Date Posted: March-19-2006 at 7:03am
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Magic man....Looking nice! Have your repainted the graphics let? I want to know how that all comes out?
Finally ..I am starting again work on the 72! ------------- stang Face plants are not that funny when it's you face! http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/images/3720/photo1.jpg" rel="nofollow - The Super Air |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: March-19-2006 at 7:18am
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p/allen,
Where abouts on the Rock do you live, that's pretty close to our little shindig in Wisconsin this summer. Hope to see you there. Ultra, I didn't buy the boat, I saved it from destruction. The PO was a young guy that liked to have fun and knew nothing about maintaining it. From what I understand they didn't even ski, Just Partied. There was more damage done to the boat in the 9 monthes he owned it than in the 25 years before . I think "just in time" applies. Stang, Good to hear from ya. The boat has been Naked and ready for paint for about two weeks. A buddy of mine is going to paint it at his shop when he can slip it in. Hopefully that will be this week, I'm starting to get a little impatient but I hate to push since it's a charity job. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: p/allen
Date Posted: March-19-2006 at 7:59am
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Alan
Dixon I think the same section of river as 62wood. It looks like he puts in at Oppold marina, by the looks of one of his pics .I dont recognize his boat but i was only out 3 times last year .We are planing to be at Green Lake on friday .wetried calling Hattie Sherwood Campground on saturday but no answer. We will try again on monday morning .I thought Ihad seen where you would be in lot 1 or3 Icant remember which.We will be bringing a tent with 3or 4 kids.Hope to see you there . ------------- Pat http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w146/72ccfan/100_5977-1.jpg - My 72 Skier Rock River Dixon,ILL. |
Posted By: stang72
Date Posted: March-19-2006 at 8:18am
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p/allen...my wife and I are staying at Bayveiw...we too need to get a camping spot for the kids! ------------- stang Face plants are not that funny when it's you face! http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/images/3720/photo1.jpg" rel="nofollow - The Super Air |
Posted By: ultrahots
Date Posted: March-19-2006 at 1:40pm
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Alan I know all to well how i was treated when it was up here.I saw it on a regular basis.Glad to see you are bringing it back. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6960&sort=&pagenum=2&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1980 Show Nautique |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: March-19-2006 at 2:24pm
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p/allen,
try the campground again during the week, I think their still on limited hours until April. Tribal and I are staying there and are in spots 1 & 3, I know Paul is coming in an Rv too so I assume his gang will be in the same campground. Glad you're gonna make it out, looks to be a good time. Stang, I like how that works, you and Momma get the hotel the kids get the tent. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: stang72
Date Posted: March-19-2006 at 5:03pm
Well heck yes! We also get a slip or two!I should see if we can get #2 right between you two...gotta have someone keep an eye on those two! ------------- stang Face plants are not that funny when it's you face! http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/images/3720/photo1.jpg" rel="nofollow - The Super Air |
Posted By: David F
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 7:27am
The easiest (and least expensive) way to get black gel coat is to purchase neutral gel and add black dye/coloring agent. |
ultrahots wrote:Posted By: Nautique2001
Date Posted: March-20-2006 at 10:00am
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You guys are pretty handy and skillful. I'm dropping my boat off at Metan Marine this week for minor gel coat repair. They have a graphics department too. I have no idea how much a professional restoration company charges. I give you all the credit in the world by eliminating labor costs. Makes a big difference in the wallet I'm sure. Keep up the great work! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1052&sort=&pagenum=4&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - Nautique 2001 |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 5:41pm
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Nautique2001,
Working on these things myself is the only way I could afford it. This boat and my motorhome are my stress reliever toys and I love working on both of them. Last winter I gutted most of the motorhome and rebuilt it just for something to do in the cold boring midwest winters. I wouldn't own either of them if I had to pay for upkeep and service. I get a lot of personnal gratification when I can say to myself "I did that" and be proud of it just makes me feel good I guess. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: March-21-2006 at 9:34pm
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Alan; You are my hero. You gutted your motor home "just for something to do"? Mrs jbear woulda clobbered me if I had dome that to ours.
john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: Jim_In_Houston
Date Posted: March-22-2006 at 8:32pm
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Can anyone recommend a company in the Clear Lake - Kemah area of Texas for gel coal repair and paint? I admire you fellows who are skilled and take pleasure in this sort of thing but to me I might as well be mowing my yard - it's just as much fun. (But that's just me.)
I have a chunk of gel coat notched out of hull in the front edge just below the water line. The notch is about 3" long and 1/4" wide and was placed there by the PO. It's been bothering me and I have been reading up on gel coat repairs but I think I am going to avoid the pain and trailer the boat to a shop - if I can find one. ------------- Happy owner of a '66 and a '68 Mustang |