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How do I repair gelcoat |
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alan
Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 5 |
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Topic: How do I repair gelcoat Posted: 17 Feb 06 at 11:44am |
I took my new vareo for its first sail last month and damaged the gel coat on the gunnel. Can anyone give advice on how to do repair. I have bought the repair kit from RS but need advice
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Jamie600
Really should get out more Joined: 14 Jun 05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 718 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 17 Feb 06 at 7:57pm |
If it's a chip on the gunwhale edge, stick some tape under the gunwhale, with enough spare to wrap over the top. Mix the gelcoat, blob it into the damaged area, then wrap the tape back over it so it will hold it in shape. When dry (24 hrs if it's outside), unstick the tape then sand with 1200 wet and dry paper
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alan
Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 5 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 18 Feb 06 at 9:04am |
thanks very much. as soon as it decides to stop raining i will give it a go.
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Wave Rider
Really should get out more Joined: 27 Oct 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 909 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 18 Feb 06 at 10:03am |
Yeah make sure it warms up a bit aswell cus atm things like paint/gelcoat/epoxy will either not set or might set with 'tiger stripes' becuase they don't like cold weather. Just a thought.
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-[Franko]-
Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club RS600 933 |
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alan
Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 5 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 19 Feb 06 at 12:26pm |
Good point, I think I'll Try and borrow a mates garage. Or perhaps tape it up for now and do repair in spring/summer. I suppose as long as the water stays off the damaged area it will be okay?
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49erGBR735HSC
Really should get out more Joined: 30 Mar 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1991 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 19 Feb 06 at 5:32pm |
The tape idea that Jamie mentioned works really well, the advantage that it holds is that it allows the epoxy to fill the shape of the chip and you don't have to do much more sanding afterwards. Works really well for foil repairs as well. One thing I'd add is that using a hairdryer on the gelcoat area allows for the gelcoat to set better and provides a better repair in the long run.
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ColH
Far too distracted from work Joined: 11 Jan 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 242 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 19 Feb 06 at 7:20pm |
Keeping the surface of the 'fill' shaped is a huge advantage as Dennis says, but I believe covering it over also prevents the surface from staying tacky? Mylar film is the best thing to use - it doesn't stick; though I currently use a cut up CD sleeve (the type you get with magazine freebies).
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stuarthop
Really should get out more Joined: 22 Dec 04 Location: Nottingham Online Status: Offline Posts: 1040 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 22 Feb 06 at 6:55pm |
i tend to use the sheets you use with overhead projectors
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alan
Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 5 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 22 Feb 06 at 7:17pm |
thanks for advice. I have just read in a magazine that covering the gel coat was done years ago because the polyester gel coats did'nt go off well in air, and covering modern gel coat will slow down curing. is this right. If your suggestions are okay for new types of gel coat great....it gets more confusing. thinking of asking local repairer to do job !!!!! |
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ColH
Far too distracted from work Joined: 11 Jan 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 242 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 22 Feb 06 at 8:00pm |
Well i always covered it when i do it, but that's a habit that goes back - let's see - about 24 years! so my methods may well be out of date! Maybe you don't actually need to cover it these days, but i've never noticed a problem with doing so. And it *does* reduce the amount of sanding! Don't take it to someone else - just learn how. Its not difficult, and always a handy skill for end-of-seaon maintenance etc. |
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