gelcoat repair on vertical surface
Make sure any settled solids are well mixed into the gelcoat. When polishing or applying wax by hand or machine, work small areas in a circular manner and dont move on until each area is done. If needed, apply more filler. 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. Apply several thinner coats instead of one thick coat. Rock play can be a bit tough on the ol gelcoat! 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. Easy Gelcoat Repairs - Vessel Vanguard At FGCI, we are committed to providingenvironmentally-friendly and sustainable productsto our customers without compromising the quality and durability of our marine coatings. Waxing your boat now will protect that like-new look and head off a time-consuming restoration project down the line. By. 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. The main purpose of this compliance is the following: Our gelcoat formula is specifically designed to emitfewer hazardous air pollutantsduring the curing process compared to traditional gelcoat formulas. 1. How much is needed depends on the size of the repair. Look for stress cracks around stanchions or other areas that might be an indication of an underlying structural problem. Otherwise it will stay tacky to the touch. This is finish gelcoat, which will cure fine when exposed to air. Aside from washing non-skid areas and possibly removing the stains, most people leave their molded-in non-skid alone. They used their groundbreaking bonding process to become the largest builder of iceboats in the United States, and Meade was a champion racer. Unlike a hull any recoating of areas like decks and cockpits are fraught with problems because of the changes in planes, angles and radii. Finally, apply a coat of high-quality marine polish and your repair is complete. Either apply multiple thin coats or a Mylar covering (available from stationery stores), as I did, to prevent sagging. 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. Ive had good luck with disposable Preval sprayers available from home stores. If the color changes (whites will become whiter, colors will brighten) you have general staining. For larger repairs its possible to spray gelcoat. Mark has built five boats himself (both power and sail), has been an experienced editor at several top boating magazines (including former associate editor of BoatUS Magazine), worked for the BBC, written four DIY books, skippered two round-the-world yachts, and holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest there-and-back crossing of the English Channel in a kayak! Wear gloves, protective eyewear and an organic vapor respirator when working with gelcoat; its nasty stuff. Fill any holes. ARTICLE Topside Gelcoat Repair HOW-TO / DIY August 20, 2018 Repairing scrapes in your hull isn't as difficult as you'd think. For larger repairs, clear Mylar film, available from office supply stores, is an excellent choice as it can be lightly squeegeed into the still-wet gelcoat giving a smooth finish. The only really effective way is to strip all the hardware off and spray it. Once catalyzed, you only have about 10 minutes of working time before it starts to harden. Read about the four steps to gelcoat restoration and how you can remove practically any type of stain from your boat. Avoid film build up thicker than 0.8mm or 800gsm. The improved anti-sag characteristics of FGCI Gelcoat also allow it to be applied to vertical surfaces without sagging or dripping, making it easier to work with and ensuring that the application is more precise. A gel coat can be used over top and adhere well. There are various techniques for gelcoat repair, depending on the severity of the damage. Be careful not to create bubbles as you apply it. Mineral stains include rust stains and black streaks. Marine boats soaps like this one are low-sudsing formulas that are better for the marine environment. As with all repairs, preparation is key. After applying the gelcoat, stretch a length of tape across the repair sticking it down to the adjacent sound gelcoat. BoatUS 59K subscribers Subscribe 185K views 4 years ago Maintain & Repair Boat Gelcoat | BoatUS If you replace an antenna or other item topsides on your boat, you'll be left with an unsightly. Manufactured with the highest quality raw materials, this product is quite literally the best on the market. Before you apply gelcoat, get the surface perfectly smooth. With FGCI, you can rest assured that your batch will be within specs every time, with the same color, viscosity, strength and application characteristics as you would expect from a high quality product. FGCI Marine Grade Gelcoat is a high-performance gelcoat that is widely used in various industries. We'll walk you through eveything you need to know to keep you boat looking great for years to come. Here's how to get the cooling breeze flowing. I love fiberglass coatings. Allow the gel to remain for 20 minutes and then rinse it off. Why You Should Care About Your Gelcoat The nature of your boat's appearance is to a great extent the aftereffect of its fiberglass. Conventional wisdom dictates that gelcoat polishing and waxing should always be performed as separate operations. But over the course of her 30-year lifespan, shes suffered a few bumps and bruises, all now successfully repaired. Laminate Bleed (Cosmetic problem only) 1. After it's applied, gelcoat shrinks 4 to 7 percent during the cure and can have less than 1 percent elongation. Before you begin, wash the area with soap and water and rinse it thoroughly. The Complete Guide to Fiberglass Gelcoat Repair for Your Boat Tap Plastics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2iS05vT95c, Shine Bright Like a Bioluminescent Organism. 1. Solving it might be as simple as shifting a load from undersized equipment, or installing a larger backing plate to spread the load over a wider area. The only evidence of the repair is that the area is cleaner and shinier than the rest of the hull. This is because they believe that polishing and waxing non-skid will make it slippery. Before getting into the actual repair, its important to understand what gelcoat is. We continuously invest in research and development to improve our gelcoats properties and provide our customers with the best products available. 7. If you do not receive an email contact Customer Service. Apply several thinner coats instead of one thick coat. The issue that is intertwined into the differences between paint and gelcoat is curing, gel needs blocking off to oxygen to fully cure and be sandable, this can be done by covering the coat with a membrane that wont adhere to the gelcoat, or as a wax additive mixed into the gelcoat that then rises to the surface sealing off from oxygen. For vertical surfaces, I prefer spray application using several thin coats. Nonwaxed gelcoat can be used when several coats are required, but that means having two different kinds of gelcoat on hand. (See "Get The Gelcoat To Stay Put" below.). As it needs to be applied in a somewhat thicker layer than paint, however, it is predisposed to run, sag, and not stay where you want it. Sort of like a dentist filling a tooth. BoatU.S. Boating Magazine Own a fiberglass boat long enough, and you'll end up with a scratch, nick or gouge in the finish. #1 How much hardener to use for gelcoat repair? Top of the list is that you're fighting gravity. Filling gelcoat scratches on a white boat: 4, Wet/dry sandpaper sheets, from 220 to 600 grit, Rubbing Compound, Finishing Compound, Wax or One-Part Cleaner Wax. Depending on the method of construction, layers of chopped mat and fiberglass cloth are then built up on top to form the hull, deck, and other molded parts. If you need to build it up a lot, it may take another batch or two. A better choice is either the same style and quality of brush you would use for, say, painting the trim of a house, or a foam brush that can simply be tossed once the job is complete. Wrapping the sandpaper around both sides lets you switch from flat to curved as necessary. Plastic Padding Gelcoat Filler - Sheridan Marine Fumed Silica: Also known as Cabosil FIller or Aerosil Filler. Tinting kits are available from gelcoat suppliers. When I lived in the Fl. But there are several ways to overcome this problem, and the exact approach depends on the size of the repair. Do not apply wax under direct sunlight. Owner apathy and dull, tired gelcoat go hand in hand. A second coat can be applied prior to completing the cure of the initial coat, unless the Gelcoat contains Wax. With the paper wrapped around a block, frequently dip it into a bucket of clean water, which keeps the paper clean and lubricates the abrasive, making for faster work and a smoother finish. Topsides Gelcoat Repair for Vertical Surfaces - Facebook Getting a good color match is one thing that causes anxiety among newbies. As in the prep stage, check the repair with your fingertips to feel for any imperfections. As mentioned, gelcoat has to be sealed from the air for it to harden properly. Continuing to 1500 or 2000 grit will create a pretty good shine. Wear a respirator and disposible gloves. Gelcoat . 3. Our dedication to MACT compliance, optimized bonding characteristics, and improved anti-sag and anti-cracking qualities sets us apart from our competitors and makes us a trusted choice for gelcoat applications. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2iS05vT95c to watch an in-depth webinar with Lenny Rudow on his favorite products, tips, and techniques to keep gelcoat looking great. . To remove the surface dirt, wash your hull and topsides with marine boat soap diluted in water. Does t. These cleaners are formulated to break the bond between the dirt and the deck without heavy scrubbing. Instead, sand by hand using 120-grit abrasive paper wrapped around a block, pausing frequently to run your fingertips over the repairs to check progress. Once catalyzed, you only have about 10 minutes of working time before it starts to harden. HOW TO - BASIC GEL COAT REPAIRS - 5 Easy Steps to make a good Gel Coat Gelcoat Repair 101: Boat Surface Restoration Guide | Durabak FGCI Gelcoat has become an industry leader in gelcoat technology due to our commitment to high-quality formulations and exceptional performance. Keep your gelcoat looking its best! Step three: Remove the oxidation and restore the shine. By removing the air, there are no problems with any waxy surface. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mary's, GA and my supply WILL come from fiberglass coatings. For more than 50 years, BoatUS has made boating safer, more affordable and more accessible.Download the FREE BoatUS App today to access NOAA marine weather, tides, exclusive Member discounts, and your BoatUS account. Assistance on the water has never been easier with TowBoatUS CONNECT in the BoatUS App the fastest way to get a tow! WEST system 410 microlight filler powder is one popular option. It will be somewhat runny at first. Along with his brothers Jan and Joel, he founded Gougeon Brothers in 1969. By continuing to use our website, youre agreeing to our cookie policy. This helps the gelcoat blend in and helps hide the edges of the filled scratch. This optimized bonding characteristic of FGCI Gelcoat also allows for easier release from molds, making it easier to work with and ensuring that your project looks its best. After all, why spend all day on a project when you can finish the job in half the time! Any undulations are easiest to spot this way. Due to air pollution, many boats are stained over their entire surface. Be careful not to create bubbles as you apply it. Heres how I did it. When the gelcoat paste is fully cured, it's time to wet-sand the area smooth. It might be from a muffed landing, a dropped pair of fishing pliers or just a hole drilled in the wrong place. Our Marine Grade Gelcoat is an exceptional example of our commitment to the environment and our customers. 2023 Boat Owners Association of The United States. Required fields are marked *. Most epoxy the company sells is for fiberglass repairs. From a visual perspective, it gives your boat a smooth and shiny finish. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, 10 children, and 14 grandchildren. In many respects, gelcoat is similar to paint. In 2015, Meade was inducted with his brother Jan, who died in 2012, into the National Sailing Hall of Fame. If you replace an antenna or other item topsides on your boat, you'll be left with an unsightly hole. Voila! Once you've found an acceptable match (an exact one is nearly impossible), mix a final batch using the same ratio. The sides of the flybridge are structurally sound but looking rough. It is true that this product doesnt retain the glossy finish for a longer period since it reacts with hard water and chemical substances such as detergents and soap. If this is your first time repairing gelcoat, start with a fairly small repair in an inconspicuous place. https://boat.us/sy-app Connect with us:https://Facebook.com/BoatUShttps://Twitter.com/BoatUShttps://Instagram.com/BoatUShttps://Pinterest.com/BoatUShttps://linkedin.com/company/boatus#gelcoat #gelcoatrepair #boatus (For this thick paste-wax application, he does not recommend liquid waxes with carnauba; that's good for later in the season.). 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. Wet sand the repair to seamlessly blend the new gelcoat into the original. Don't forget your outboard cowl. Mix Thoroughly. Here are some examples of how FGCI Gelcoat has been used in different industries: No matter the industry or project, FGCI Gelcoat provides exceptional performance and durability, making it the ideal choice for any application that requires a high-quality finish that can stand up to the toughest environmental conditions. To apply gelcoat, you have two choices: brush or spray. The brothers also moved their process beyond boatbuilding to airplanes and even spacecraft. Finishing the Gelcoat Repair. Which type you use will depend on the repair and your method of application. No matter how careful you are, fiberglass boats collect dings and gouges over time. The first are variable speed circular polishers, which in the hands of a pro can quickly cover a lot of ground. Nearly all boats have some degree of gelcoat staining. The advantages of epoxy resins were not lost on professional boatbuilders who were swift to embrace them. You'll need to lightly wet sand between coats to remove any surface wax and wait for each coat to cure. We provide a diverse offering of services including marine insurance, on-the-water towing provided by TowBoatUS, the nations largest fleet, plus boat financing, graphics and lettering, representation for boaters on Capitol Hill, the award-winning BoatUS Magazine and much more. Use common sense, and read and understand all the safety instructions that come with your tools and materials. In many respects, gelcoat is similar to paint. It's full of great tips and techniques. We recommend a catalyst loading of 1.5 to 2.5% MEKP with a working surface and Gelcoat. After sanding, use a Dremel tool to clean out the gouge a bit, then feather the edges of the scratch with 180-grit. This helps, but any filler is likely to affect the gelcoat color and can make the surface more porous than the surrounding original gelcoat. Prices may vary in-store versus online and are not price matched in-store. Remove the masking tape and plastic sheet before finishing off the repair with some cutting compound followed by a layer of wax polish. Protect yourself, especially from dust and fumes. Privacy Policy. Because unlike other owners, all you need to do is wash your boat and apply a quality wax. Sign up today and receive a 10% off coupon for your next order! Leave the filler a little proud of the surrounding surface so that you have something to sand down level with the existing gelcoat, but dont overdo this. Our gelcoat formulation is specifically designed to prevent sagging or drooping during the curing process, ensuring a smooth and even finish. If coating a mold, the mold must be waxed, buffed, and prepped prior to catalyzing the Gelcoat. The coating should be cured before sanding and buffing. The simpler way is to always use the waxed kind, lightly wet-sanding the cured surface between coats. 0:00 6:54 HOW TO - BASIC GEL COAT REPAIRS - 5 Easy Steps to make a good Gel Coat repair on your boat Royal Yachting Association - RYA 48.5K subscribers Subscribe Share 20K views 2 years ago. Use common sense, and read and understand all the safety instructions that come with your tools and materials. Also a skippered charter friend did his large cockpit by spraying in two-pack a couple of years ago. I use 80 grit sandpaper on a double-sided (flat and curved), hard rubber block from an auto parts store. The materials you need are readily available at marine supplier or via mail order. Once the surface is smooth and free of imperfections, wipe down the surface with a lint-free cloth dampened with acetone. It is important to prevent unwanted distortions, bubbles, and deformations on the surface of the material. Why, sure you can! There are two types of stains: mineral and organic. (Not shown: If, after sanding, there are still some small holes, fill them using some two-part all-purpose surface filler formulated explicitly for fiberglass repairs, such as Interlux Interfill 833. 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). 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. If you cannot find finish gelcoat, you may be able to find the wax additive for laminating gelcoat that will enable it to air cure (finish gelcoat already has the wax added). I'm trying to open a boat repair shop in St . Addition of styrene or . Basic Fairing "How To" Guide - Fiberglass Warehouse How to Fix Gelcoat Gouges - Boat Trader Blog 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). After removing the surface dirt inspect for damage. Topside Gelcoat Repair - Vessel Vanguard After curing, both Mylar and tape can be easily removed. This may not be readily apparent, but as a quick check, try swabbing some of the gel stain remover across an area that otherwise looks ok. Great service and never were disappointed. But over the course of her 30-year lifespan, she's suffered a few bumps and bruises, all now successfully repaired. I start by sanding down the previous poor repair to bring it flush with the surrounding surface. West System 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. So if you have trouble removing any of these, try using a stain remover specifically formulated to take them out. Work swiftly. Gelcoat must be stirred/agitated, preferably with use of a mechanical agitator. Shining a bright light at a low angle across the repair area will help you spot any dips and bumps in the finish. But when used by a novice they can burn through and mar the gelcoat surface. Our Gelcoat is known for its excellent adhesion properties and is easy to apply. You can then apply tape to the surface over the repair to keep it flat (particularly useful on vertical repairs). Bucking tradition are one-step products that combine a polish with a wax. Go on youtube and search 'boatworks today'. Shurholds Dual-Action polisher bridges the gap between harder-to-use heavy-duty circular polishers and common automotive-style buffers. However, after some time this gel coat can be worn off and needs to be repaired.If youre in one of our coverage areas, please contact us to get this kind of work done quickly! Damage on an edge like this is the most difficult to repair, but even this isnt hard to do. Its better to mix up a little too much than not enough. Be sure to get the right product. Switch to 320-grit wet/dry paper used wet. Anti-sag refers to the ability of a gelcoat to maintain its shape and thickness without sagging or drooping during the curing process. Copyright 2022 Baxter Marine Group, LLC. 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. Shallow scratches can often be wet sanded and buffed out. Force the filler into the holes using a putty knife. If youre looking for a gelcoat that will provide exceptional performance and a high-quality finish, FGCI Gelcoat is the perfect choice. This was an exceptionally simple fix, blend 4 drops of hardener in 1 Teaspoon of Gel Coat, apply, cover with included plastic sheet, stand by two hours, and afterward wet sand and clean for definite completion. WEST system 410 microlight filler powder is one popular option. How to Repair a Gelcoat Scratch - Bottom Paint Store Later in the season, Lenny's favorite liquid wax is Eagle One Wax As You Dry, Waterproof abrasive paper in various grits from 180 to 400. M.C. Their employee-owned company became world-renowned for pioneering the use of epoxy for marine use. This step is important because it will allow the repair materials to bond properly with the existing fiberglass. These are available with built-in rechargeable batteries and also as AC plug-in units. The sides of the flybridge are structurally sound but looking rough. Whether youre building a new boat, repairing an existing one, or working on any other project that requires a durable and long-lasting finish, FGCI Gelcoat is the ideal choice. *FREE STANDARD SHIPPING applicable on orders over $99.00 within the 48 contiguous United States. 11. Topside Gelcoat Repair Advertisement Repairing scrapes in your hull isn't as difficult as you'd think. But with the correct tools and materials, the right attitude, and a little time, professional-looking repairs are within reach for the average boat owner. Gelcoat shrinks 25% by volume. Build up the gelcoat in layers. Building up a decent thickness, especially if you have a deep gouge, could take some time. I figured it was a good start, since when I put the window back the frame will cover the work anyhow. After applying the gelcoat, stretch a length of tape across the repair sticking it down to the adjacent sound gelcoat. You can sand it by hand, but it will take longer. To prevent ridges, wrap the paper around a block. 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. Although it's tempting to use a power sander for this, doing so can create ridges in the surface. Boat Gelcoat Repair On Vertical Surface [MATERIALS LIST] | BoatUS Vinyl Ester Resin - Another great choice to use when fairing. Always FREE in-store pickup. For many repairs, a single coat is often sufficient, but for deep gouges and other significant damage, the gelcoat sometimes needs a more substantial coat. Apply two mist coats 0.1 to 0.2 mm thick followed by final build up to 0.6 to 0.8mm. Protect yourself, especially from dust and fumes. Remember, this gelcoat has been catalyzed and the clock is ticking. There are several types of wax, each of which has its adherents. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Build up the gelcoat in layers. 8. Specialized Refinishing Co. provides superior repairing, restoring, refinishing, resurfacing, reglazing, and recoloring services for all types of surfaces. Here, a piece of clear Mylar is wrapped around the repair area. Keys for 36 years and worked for a towing and salvage Co for 15 years all our supplies came from Fiberglass coatings. Acid-based stain removers packaged in the form of a gel are the easiest to use, because they hold well to vertical surfaces and because they work chemically, with little or no scrubbing required. By continuing to use our website, youre agreeing to our cookie policy. Wear a respirator and disposible gloves. Gelcoat Boat Repair Part 1: Components Watch on Skill Level Description (10=most difficult, 1=easiest) Buffing out an oxidized boat: 2 Wet sanding scratches, then buffing: 4 Filling gelcoat scratches on a white boat: 4 Filling gelcoat on a colored boat: 6 Tools and Materials Sanding Block Wet/dry sandpaper sheets, from 220 to 600 grit Lenny's favorites for wash and wax products are West Marine Boat Wash N'Shine, Star-brite Concentrated Wash & Wax Power Pine, and Orpine Wash & Wax. Regarding your blog post on restoring gelcoat (posted online March 18, 2014): Ive seen many similar articles over the years directed toward refinishing topsides.However, Ive seen no discussion about restoring decks. I have an 18-year-old boat, and Im beginning to see pinholes in the deck gelcoat, particularly on edges and curves where I suspect the gelcoat is thinner. Wrap the roller in painters' tape and rip the tape off to remove loose fibers from the roller. Anti-sag and anti-cracking qualities are essential factors in gelcoat applications. Overfill the crack and leave it to cure overnight. If needed, apply more filler. It will be somewhat runny at first. Your email address will not be published. Use common sense, and read and understand all the safety instructions that come with your tools and materials. If this is your first time repairing gelcoat, start with a fairly small repair in an inconspicuous place. Use several thin coats or use gelcoat paste that is thicker with fewer tendencies to sag. For the initial wet sanding of new gelcoat, I start with 220 grit wet/dry paper on a hard rubber block, concentrating on taking down the high spots and blending the new material into the keel line. 9. Catalyst is especially noxious; avoid breathing in the fumes. As part of this process, it becomes porous. Acid-based stain removers are the ticket for removing what you see here. Once the gelcoat has fully cured, sand the repair smooth (wet sanding works particularly well with gelcoat). This is a hydrophilic fumed silica. As mentioned, gelcoat has to be sealed from the air for it to harden properly. The reasons behind the popularity of this material are that they are lightweight, easily moldable and easy to install. Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information. 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. Undertaking a minor repair on a horizontal surface, such as the one outlined in that article, is a great way to gain confidence and hone your skills before moving on to a repair that is more conspicuous, like on the hull topsides or flybridge. Here's how to make a seamless repair on vertical surfaces. Gelcoat is the first thing sprayed into a female mold when a boat is built, usually to a thickness of .5 to 1 mm.
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