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Gel Coat Dings
Repairing Gel Coat Dings
D. Thompson 08/08/22 #32164
Hi,
I'd like some recommendations for repairing gel coat dings that have exposed the fiberglass. I could also use your advice with products, tips, repair videos that are easy to follow for repairing small punctures in the hull of OC/Epic surf ski.
So I've found generic two part epoxy and Marine Rx Epoxy Repair from West Marine as options. Thoughts?
Thanks,
Denise T
Waterman Larry 08/08/22 #32166
Hi Denise,
A couple of brief points on epoxy/carbon repairs and gel coat repairs.
Structural repair of the hull is much easier than cosmetic repair as there are many less steps. I use West System epoxy and fillers for all repairs as I have over 35 years of practice using the resin and all of the hardeners. Choose an epoxy and then stick with it so you memorize the curing, flow and other characteristics.
Gel coat (polyester resin) requires these steps:
Fare repair area smooth.
Apply gel coat to repair area and let cure.
Sand with the following sand paper grits: 220, 320, 400, 620, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, rubbing compound, polishing compound and then wax.
I use youtube videos for car repairs but don't have any video recommendations as I don't need any more education on most surfski repairs. I do use youtube when building molds as that is a process where I have little experience.
Anyone getting deep into repair and having problems are free to call me at 360-Nine03-3524.
Larry Goodson
norcrossnuu@…08/09/22 #32168
Hey Denise,
OZone has some repair info with diagrams on the FAQ page of their website - however it may be specific to their construction layup so I’m not sure if it will help you or not?
https://outriggerzone.com/support/faq/
(Note that OZone uses paint, not gel coat, which may also be different than other manufacturers.)
Good luck with the repair!
Zoe
knblumhagen@…09/09/22 #32346
Hi Denise,
You'll want to make sure the glass under the dings is clean and dry (salt will be the hard part here), and then rough up the area a bit. It's worth considering your options here: either you fill the volume with a filler (SystemThree makes an excellent epoxy-based Bondo equivalent, Quick Fair) and paint over it, which will be easier and less messy, and require less PPE, but not as UV resistant as the gel coat would be, or you hit it with some gel coat and call it a day, but the gel coat is harder to work with (in my experience, anyway) and requires more PPE (respirator, etc) to safely use.
Whichever way you choose, you'll then buff down either the filler or the gel coat (before paint for option 1) and paint if necessary, and you should be done there!
Best of luck!
Kira
