Repair gelcoat chips

[Jerryh3]

I know this topic probably has been beat to death, but any suggestions for these keel chips? Do I just Marine-Tex them or should I lay some glass and resin? Not really looking for a perfect cosmetic fix because bottom paint will go back over it. I stripped the paint, chipped away all of the loose gelcoat, and sanded the surrounding edges with 80 grit. I just have let it dry a little wipe it down with acetone and pick a fix. Help me out.

 

[BWT]

Re: Repair gelcoat chips

sand a little more (actually scuff the visible glass under the chips that popped off), clean and go over with thickened epoxy. Re-sand to shape, clean and bottom paint. Good to go

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Repair gelcoat chips

If she were mine I'd grind and lay glass.

 

[BWT]

Re: Repair gelcoat chips

If there was visible damage to the glass, I would agree with WOG. However in pic #1 I can see a void at the edge of the middle and lower chip, and the glass looks untouched (IMO the gelcoat got a little pressure in the right spot (or wrong spot) and collapsed the void between the gel and glass ). I am assuming that the other chips are from a similar condition. When you're sanding and feathering the edges, you'll probably find that the outline of the chips will grow in size (typically not much, but a quarter inch or so around the perimeter wouldn't surprise me). You can certainly lay up some glass if you want, but IMO it is not necessary.. Hope this helps!

~BWT