Gelcoat Questions

[lukedeuce]

I've been searching TT and I am not sure if I have overlooked it, or just can't find it, but I have a few questions on Gelcoat hopefully you guys can answer relatively quickly.

I have an 83 s&s white hull w/ blue flake that I have decided to started refurbishing the gel coat. All old vinyls have been taken off and I have started wet sanding. I am sure I will have some questions on buffing/polishing later on, but I am more concerned with gel coat repair at this point. If I am doing this much work, may as well get it showroom condition.

I have a couple spots in the white Gelcoat I need to repair, but not finding any information on what people have used, color matching, etc....only a few small spots I need to clean up and a half dollar spot the PO managed to do at the waterline.

Sorry for creating a new thread, just can't seem to find the info I am looking for

And progress pictures since threads are pointless without them!






Just a couple minutes of work and i got these results. Pretty stoked and motivated me to do the entire boat.

Sent from Deuce's iPad

[mikeg205]

gel coat can be matched before adding catalyst...

good video if you have the time... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZxyrxIC2Ts

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by mikeg205

gel coat can be matched before adding catalyst...

good video if you have the time... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZxyrxIC2Ts

Peter B. has some good tips too.

[scott023]

Originally Posted by mikeg205

Peter B. has some good tips too.

His boat still looks like it did the day it rolled out of the factory.

[lukedeuce]

Mike - I just realized I owe you some measurements. I'll get those over to you soon

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by lukedeuce

Mike - I just realized I owe you some measurements. I'll get those over to you soon

No problem - I am not going anywhere and boats aren't going into the water anytime soon either..

[BrianM]

Be VERY careful wet sanding on that flake.

[CC2MC]

Most people use spectrum as a color match, but due to the age, you will probably be better color matching yourself. Remember to sand the area around the patch first to get a better match.

Brian is correct about being careful on sanding the flake. Just don't get too aggressive with the sandpaper selection. Try a test area first and start at about 1500 grit. If that does not easily remove the oxidation, take it down to 1000 grit. There is a clear gelcoat on top of the flake and the important thing is that you don't sand through it into the flake. Can't wait to see the final results after it is all cleaned up bc that will be a nice looking boat.

[waterlogged882]

..........

[lukedeuce]

Thanks cloaked. I only did two spots with wet sanding so still not too late

Edit: we did try wool pad with a 3m compound, but I am going to double check which one