How To Repair Gelcoat Chips

How to deal with gelcoat chips and reach a perfect color matched surface. Bruce Jacobs finds out from Mark Buckett of Solent Repairs. IN ASSOCIATION WITH GJW Directly

From rope chafing on cockpit coamings to impact damage afterward a winch handle has been dropped, gelcoat fries are an inevitable result of any boat that has miles under its keel. Yet repairing them is not as hard as you might think. With a unproblematic but methodical approach, surfaces can be easily restored which not merely improves their appearance but can help the structure of the laminate below.

Like any cosmetic repair, achieving the best result is more almost the preparation and procedure than it is about specific skills.

1 – Preparing the repair

First, it's important to create a surface that volition provide a good bond for the filler. Using a modest burr on an electric drill piece of work it around the damaged expanse. Next, lightly sand the area, this will provide a expert key for the filler.

2 – Mixing the filler

Start with some white gelcoat filler and add some Cabosil, (a colloidal silica powder), to thicken upwardly the mixture to around the consistency of peanut butter. This will allow y'all to use the substance as a filler and will keep it in identify during the cure. And so, carefully add together the catalyst and mix thoroughly once more. The amount of goad required will vary depending on the surrounding temperature so make certain yous have checked with the manufacturer's instructions.

iii – Applying the filler

Using a plastic spatula gently employ the filler over the damaged area. You will need to brand a few calorie-free passes over the surface area to ensure that the filler is fully located and is flush with the surrounding surface. Don't put as well much force per unit area on the spatula as this will drag the filler out of the surface hollow.

The filler volition shrink slightly as it cures but when you apply the gelcoat later,  this should build the repair back up and then that is flush again with the surrounding area.

Tip – don't leave the loving cup of mixed resin on the deck in example information technology exotherms. If information technology does, the heat generated may mark the deck. If the resin does exotherm, you will no longer exist able to use it for the repair and simply add a little water to cool information technology downward to make it condom.

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iv – Rubbing downwardly the filler

For typical gel coat chips wait around 30mins for the filler to cure before attempting to sand the surface downwards. When you do, the grades to use are 120, 320 and and so 800. Use a block when sanding to make certain that the surface is fifty-fifty and that you don't innovate a hollow.

5 – Colour matching

Taking liquid gelcoat the first stage is to match the colour. This procedure requires patience and a pace by footstep arroyo to get the best results. Yellow and blackness are the almost common pigment colours that are used when matching white gelcoat.

Add a tiny dot of paint, often it'south nigh a pin head sized drop and mix thoroughly. Then pigment a small amount alongside the repaired surface and judge how close the match is. You volition nearly probable need to go through this procedure a few times to become the colour right, don't blitz it.

half dozen – Applying gelcoat

When y'all think you're there with the colour, add the catalyst, mix thoroughly and apply to the repair. You will need to apply a number of coats, commonly effectually 3-five leaving 15-20mins between each application. If yous tin can run your finger over information technology without picking upwards any of the gelcoat the surface is ready for another application.

Get out for at least 24 hours before so lightly rubbing down using a light 800 grade paper. Then using rubbing compound bring up to a final finish.

In association with GJW Direct

GJW Direct offers some of the most comprehensive and competitive gunkhole insurance policies on the market. With more than 175 years in marine insurance, when you insure your yacht with u.s.a., you're dealing with the boat insurance specialists, leaving you lot free to enjoy your time on the water. For more data, visit: www.gjwdirect.com

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