How do I repair gelcoat
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Repair & maintenance
Forum Discription: Questions & tips on the subject
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1469
Printed Date: 26 Jun 25 at 5:48pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: How do I repair gelcoat
Posted By: alan
Subject: How do I repair gelcoat
Date 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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Replies:
Posted By: Jamie600
Date Posted: 17 Feb 06 at 7:57pm
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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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Posted By: alan
Date Posted: 18 Feb 06 at 9:04am
| thanks very much. as soon as it decides to stop raining i will give it a go. |
Posted By: Wave Rider
Date Posted: 18 Feb 06 at 10:03am
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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. ------------- -[Franko]- Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club RS600 933 |
Posted By: alan
Date 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? |
Posted By: 49erGBR735HSC
Date Posted: 19 Feb 06 at 5:32pm
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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. ------------- Dennis Watson 49er GBR735 http://www.helensburghsailingclub.co.uk/ - Helensburgh S.C http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/home.php3?affid=560 - Boat Insurance from Noble Marine |
Posted By: ColH
Date Posted: 19 Feb 06 at 7:20pm
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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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Posted By: stuarthop
Date Posted: 22 Feb 06 at 6:55pm
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i tend to use the sheets you use with overhead projectors ------------- |
Posted By: alan
Date Posted: 22 Feb 06 at 7:17pm
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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 !!!!! |
Posted By: ColH
Date 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. ------------- |
Posted By: alan
Date Posted: 23 Feb 06 at 7:35pm
| If its worked for you for 24 years what more can i say. you ve convinced me to give it a go. will keep you all informed. many thanks |