Gelcoat repair and finish restorer

[sutor623]

Hey guys got a 20 yr. old boat. Looks pretty good, just turned a little off-white from the sun.

I also have some deep scratches that go into the gel coat.

What would you guys recommend using to A) bring back the whiteness to the rig, and B) repair the gelcoat scratches with a close match to color.

I have seen those kits that come with 5 colors, but man would it be hard to match the color with those................

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have used spectra gel kits in the past with good results. However if the gel is significantly fadded or discolored, matching will be difficult

 

[sutor623]

if the gel is significantly fadded or discolored, matching will be difficult

Yea, this is what I am afraid of. I think that I can do it, but under different lighting conditions it is bound to look different. Maybe a good waxing after the whole bit will do the trick?

 

[Scott Danforth]

iBoats has Spectra Gel kits http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Ac...hed.1--session_id.445336571?q=spectra gel kit

however the only way you are going to find out is by doing it. wet sand and buff when done.

just be glad your boat isnt red gel coat.

 

[Woodonglass]

Matching 20 yr old gelcoat is going to be closer to an Art Form than a skill!!! You will first want to do some wet sanding do get rid of as much sun fading and oxidation as possible and get down to good gelcoat. It will then be a matter of lighting and your skill in matching the color. DO NOT WAX it. Do it all natural. Be aware that in a few months you WILL be able to see the patched spots due to the fact that the new gelcoat will fade differently than the old.

 

[sutor623]

Matching 20 yr old gelcoat is going to be closer to an Art Form than a skill!!! You will first want to do some wet sanding do get rid of as much sun fading and oxidation as possible and get down to good gelcoat. It will then be a matter of lighting and your skill in matching the color. DO NOT WAX it. Do it all natural. Be aware that in a few months you WILL be able to see the patched spots due to the fact that the new gelcoat will fade differently than the old.

Good to hear from ya wood!! Yea I was afraid that the spots would sunfade differently............ Maybe I will scratch the wetsand to bring out the shine of the old gelcoat and match what color the boat already is (a sort of off-white color)

 

[ondarvr]

If you match the current color, as soon as you buff it, or try to clean up any part of it, the new patches will be a much different color than the rest of it.

Sanding and buffing the entire thing first, then matching the color is the only good way to do it. Actually sanding isn't always needed, you just need to get down to the original color, sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's not.