Buying matching gelcoat

[meddo]

I would like to use gelcoat to repair some small scrapes and gauges. Should I try to get the gelcoat used by the manufacturer or just grab one of these mix and match color sets?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[JB]

Re: Buying matching gelcoat

I never saw a mixed gelcoat that matched. I would go for the OEM supplier.

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: Buying matching gelcoat

unless your boat is almost new, the gelcoat the OEM sends you will not match either. an experienced gelcoat guy can match it fairly close, but as the color chn=anges when it dries, it take mucho experience to get it right. at the yard we would do the repair and then computer match the 2-part poly paint to the old gelcoat and with a little buffing after it dried you could get it damn close. looked better than I could get , and I matched colors ALOT!!

 

[meddo]

Re: Buying matching gelcoat

I was going to follow the instructions in the videos that I purchased. Namely, sand and buff so that the original color is shown. The colors are Sand and Blue, which was used in alot of Glastron boats of that era. Since that is a common color will I be able to match it up well with one of these color sets? <br /><br />Thanks

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Buying matching gelcoat

You won't know until you try it, but most of the time on an older boat, close is as good as it gets. Many times repairs done with paints can be matched very good at the time, but paint and gel coat weather and fade at different rates, so after a while the repair may stand out. Many of the pigments used in the past are not available now and some of the older gel coat colors cannot be reproduced easily or at all.<br />You can get gel coat color matched (at least close to the original color) to your boat from a few different places, you may need to tint it a little yourself to get it closer.<br /><br />Spectrum Color #253 735 1830<br />GCP # 206 781 1162

 

[meddo]

Re: Buying matching gelcoat

Thanks for the replies. I checked a few sites that may be able to match the old gelcoat color and didnt care much for the pricetag. I will try my luck with some color matching of my own. I have the Cosmetic Gelcoat & Fiberglass Repair dvd series and cant wait to get started.