gelcoat repair

[JAL51974]

I am finally getting around to hull repair on this old boat. These pics show the worst damage in the bayliner blue on the upper part of the hull. How do I try to match the color and what should I use to repair the damage? Thanks.

Joe

 

[azlakes]

Re: gelcoat repair

...hiya Jal

I had a similiar rub to the glass being exposed on my keel. I worked the damage towards the edges feathering the finish to expose more of the area and reaching good fiberglass bond. I cleaned it all up with acetone and made sure it was clean as possible. I then worked in precise mix of Marine-Tex. Its held up real solid and you can sand it to blend in. Mine was white so you may try an automotive Ford blue paint afterwards, looks to be above the waterline? May be close in color.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: gelcoat repair

Thanks Az that is above the waterline actually just under the rub rail. I thought marine tex would be good there, just wasn't sure how to try to match the color. Painting sounds like it might work, but I am afraid of messing it up. Is there any gelcoat product to match up colors?

Joe

 

[gcboat]

Re: gelcoat repair

These folks http://www.spectrumcolor.com/catalog.htm will custom match any gel coat color - however there would be a one gallon minimum purchase. Don't think you need all that.
So plan B would be to patch with Marine Tex ( which can be tinted ). It will be far from perfect so don't expect it to be so.
Best thing to do would be patch, sand the entire stripe and repaint it. Use a single part urethane finish, roll and tip or just brush it on. Spraying would be the preferred way - but.
Maybe get all of the prep done and ask somebody in a body shop how much they would charge just to shoot it. With you supplying all of the materials I can't see it costing more than $200.00 - if that. Ah, just a thought.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: gelcoat repair

Good suggestions GC. If I go the tint route with Marine Tex does that company sell tinting products or do I get them someplace else?

Joe

 

[gcboat]

Re: gelcoat repair

No they don't deal with the colors. Need to get tint from someplace else.
The link I gave you to Spectrum is as good as you'll get. Make sure you tell then that you will be tinting the Marine Tex which is an epoxy based product, it does matter. Even WM or Boater World carries some tinting colors but I'm not all that certain if they are compatible. Also the kits they carry will have all sorts of different bases in it, since you only need a blue then it would be a waste of money to buy all of it.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: gelcoat repair

Spectrum does have most popular boat colors already matched and you can frequently get very small amounts in a kit, so give them a call.

There are small kits available at some Marine stores and if you try one start by adding very little pigment to it and I mean VERY little. Most people add far too much the first time and then have to start over, you can always add more.