5200 on chips in gelcoat?

[mattb1974]

I have a few chips in my gelcoat exposing the fiberglass. These are mostly in hard to see areas so rather than doing the gelcoat repair, sand, polish, etc. I was wondering if I can just put 5200 in those area to seal the fiberglass? If there is another quick and cheap alternative please let me know. All chips are no bigger than 1/4" in diameter. PO was rough on the boat.

 

[saildan]

Re: 5200 on chips in gelcoat?

I have a few chips in my gelcoat exposing the fiberglass. These are mostly in hard to see areas so rather than doing the gelcoat repair, sand, polish, etc. I was wondering if I can just put 5200 in those area to seal the fiberglass? If there is another quick and cheap alternative please let me know. All chips are no bigger than 1/4" in diameter. PO was rough on the boat.

I'd use gelcoat paste, and yes I'd sand and prep then polish the touch-ups in.

3M is a caulk so it should seal but it will also feel soft in comparison.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 5200 on chips in gelcoat?

Yes, you can use 5200. But here is also a product called "Marine Tex" that is made to do that too. It's a two part epoxy and I think it works out to be less expensive than 5200. I used it to patch a couple gouges on the bottom of my hull, and it was still holding 5 years later, when I sold the boat.

 

[tdrudd87]

Re: 5200 on chips in gelcoat?

Gel is around $20/qt with tint. Chips that small shouldn't require that much work, and no need to polish endlessly if you can see it normally!!!

Terry

 

[JimMH]

Re: 5200 on chips in gelcoat?

Definitely want to use Marinetex or a gelcoat repair kit for that instead of 5200. MarineTex and Gelcoat will harden and give you what you have lost where 5200 will remain in a flexible state. MarineTex is sandable and probably easier to work with also.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 5200 on chips in gelcoat?

... MarineTex is sandable and probably easier to work with also.

Yes, it is.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: 5200 on chips in gelcoat?

+1 on the Marine Tex. Check the color. There is a brite white and an off-white.

 

[oops!]

Re: 5200 on chips in gelcoat?

fix it with gellcoat and be done with it.....why play around with anything else?....gell coat is really east to work with !

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: 5200 on chips in gelcoat?

5200 will discolor (ugly yellow) due to UV exposure. Marinetex or gelcoat is correct.

-E

 

[mike343]

Re: 5200 on chips in gelcoat?

Marine Tex, especially in out ot the way areas. much easier to use than gel coat patch