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How do you fix gouges in gelcoat?

Jim Brown

How do you fix gouges in gelcoat?

Begin by sanding around the area and the scratch with 320-grit paper. Again, be cautious not to remove too much material. 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 the gelcoat blend in and helps hide the edges of the filled scratch.

How do you get deep scratches out of fiberglass?

Apply a small amount of polishing compound to a soft cloth if the petroleum jelly fails to remove the scratch. Rub the compound into the scratch in a circular motion. Rub your finger over the scratch to assess your progress. Repeat this process several times, or until the scratch disappears.

Is gel coat self leveling?

GelCoat is specially formulated to be water-resistant and highly durable. GelCoat cures hard with a self-leveling finish, even on vertical surfaces. This formula is also resistant to water blistering from frequent use.

Can a gelcoat be buffed out of a scratch?

Surface scratches can be buffed out of gelcoat with polishing compound, but deep scratches must be filled. When the gelcoat surrounding a scratch is in good condition, the filler of choice is gelcoat paste, which provides both filler and finish in a single application — but not a single step.

How can I repair a crack in my gelcoat paint?

This is one option to repair those cracks: Using a Dremel tool, remove the gelcoat on either edge of the crack, all the way down its length. Basically this widens the gap and reveals the fiberglass layer beneath. Determine if there is a crack in the fiberglass. If there is, it needs to be filled with a putty containing fiberglass strands.

Is it possible to remove gelcoat from sand?

When you use 400 grit or higher, be sure to wet sand. Always keep the sandpaper clean with nice fresh water and be cautious not to remove too much gelcoat. It is possible to sand through the color.

Where can I get gelcoat for my Boat?

If the scratches are deep, you’ll need to know where to get the right gelcoat for your boat. Two of the biggest suppliers in the United States are Spectrum Color in Auburn, Wash., and Mini-Craft in Wildwood, Fla. Each company can help you with color selection and matching.

How do you fix gouges in gelcoat?

Jim Brown

How do you fix gouges in gelcoat?

Begin by sanding around the area and the scratch with 320-grit paper. Again, be cautious not to remove too much material. 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 the gelcoat blend in and helps hide the edges of the filled scratch.

How do you repair a fiberglass gouge?

Fill any deep gouges and spend your time sanding out scratches while the filler sets up. Apply gel coat to the filled gouges and finish to the scratches and then final-sand the filled gouges. Buff all the repaired areas and then the rest of the boat. Apply any graphics to finish up.

How do you fix deep scratches in gelcoat?

Surface scratches can be buffed out of gelcoat with polishing compound, but deep scratches must be filled. When the gelcoat surrounding a scratch is in good condition, the filler of choice is gelcoat paste, which provides both filler and finish in a single application — but not a single step.

Can gel coat be repaired?

You can usually fix gelcoat repairs yourself. It takes a bit of patience, but do it right and few will notice. Also, deep gouges may need structural fiberglass work or filler before you repair the gelcoat. On horizontal surfaces, liquid gelcoat works, but for vertical surfaces, a paste is easier to apply.

What to do if you get a gouge in your gelcoat?

When you get a gouge or a scratch in the gelcoat of your fiberglass, you will have to clean it up by grinding or sanding before you can repair it. Then, you’ll need to buy a wax gelcoat repair kit that matches the color of your gelcoat and carefully apply it to the damaged area.

How can I repair gelcoat on my Boat?

As a boat owner, you have a few different options when it comes to repairing gelcoat. You could contact your nearest boatyard and pay a boat repair professional to fix it for you. The advantage with this option is that you are pretty much guaranteed a near perfect repair.

What to do if you get a gouge in your fiberglass boat?

Gelcoat is the protective coating that covers the fiberglass of boats and other watercraft. When you get a gouge or a scratch in the gelcoat of your fiberglass, you will have to clean it up by grinding or sanding before you can repair it.

What’s the best way to get rid of a gouge?

Apply Gelcoat to the area. Can be brushed, rolled (using Brushable Gelcoat) or spray applied. Once you have the gelcoat mixed, saving the hardener for last, begin to spread over the gouge with a plastic spreader. Since the paste will shrink slightly as it dries, make sure you put a little extra paste on the “wound”.