should i seal fiberglass repair?

[imported_DANA1]

if i grind the gel kote off inside of bilge to make a fiberglass shelf do i need to re gel kote it ? and if it isn't gel kote what is it ? and why do mfg. spray the inside of boat hulls with what looks like a white with black multi pattern gel kote? working on1990 bayliner trophy 2459 thanks.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: should i seal fiberglass repair?

The gel coat or paint on the interior surface is mostly for cosmetic purposes, if you don't want to gel coat or paint it again, then you don't need to.

The gel coat with contrasting webbing hides many sins.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: should i seal fiberglass repair?

Dana, Gel coat is simply thickened polyester resin. If you grind down to the cloth while making a repair, you will want to seal it with resin. You may also seal it with gelcoat, if you prefer. if you do not grind it down to the cloth, no sealing is necessary.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: should i seal fiberglass repair?

The only time you need to seal it is if it's in an area where it will be under water for long periods of time and even if you left an area on the hull with glass fibers exposed, you probably wouldn't notice and problems for many years, if ever. It is a good practice to seal under water areas well though, above the water line it's only a cosmetic concern.

 

[flashback]

Re: should i seal fiberglass repair?

personally, I would seal any open laminate repair with some epoxy resin... its just cheap insurance ........