JS232

I beached the boat once in a sand bar last year. Now I have some scratches on the bottom . I am having a hard time finding some one to fix it now and from what I’ve read, I guess I can do it my self.

My understanding about gelcoat is that it’s a +/- 1/16" layer of resin with color and luster?

I’ve been told to:

Sand 1 ½" around the area in need of gelcoat with no 80,
Apply the gel with a plastic squeegee, let dry
Then sand with 400 , 600……800…….1000…. with a sanding block
Polish with compound the entire area…

Is that it? Will the surface match and shine like it was originally?

I found two places where I can order the perfect color matched white gelcoat for my 2003 Baja.

Catagory5

No, it's not that easy.

Gmoney52

It always looks easy on paper, but you can try. You will then see why the good guys are always booked up!

glassdave

ditto. . . . or PM Gordo and ask him that question


honestly its years of experiance that make it go smoothly (notice i didnt say easy )

Gmoney52

When someone makes it look easy, then you call them professional. Hey, am I being followed?

JS232

Thanks Guys,

Finally hired someone to have it done.

I observed him working so I'l know how to do it next time...

Here is a trick I learned from Him : Spray some primer paint over the scored surface ... You'l know when to stop sanding since the primer will fill the scores in the gel.

glassdave

yep . . . its called a tracer coat

Gmoney52

I have called it "guide coat" and use Dykem (lay out fluid) which is dark blue and applied with a rag and is usually dilluted with acetone. Same principal for sanding out scratches and blocking out low spots. There, now I killed the thread(at least part of it). The legacy lives on!

glassdave

nothing gets by you G . . .

Catagory5

I use red dyekem on all gelcoat.