How to sand gel coat repair. They are tiny holes in the gelcoat.

How to sand gel coat repair Jun 7, 2025 · In this guide, we’ll walk you through what gelcoat is, how to assess the damage, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix minor scrapes and scratches on your boat’s surface. When sanding, abrade the surface with a 50% overlap on each pass with a dual action sander. You can also use a spray gun to improve atomization. Pinholes can occur when gel coat is sprayed too quickly or if not enough pressure is added when applying. Learn how with our complete guide to fiberglass gelcoat repair for your boat! Oct 12, 2021 · Hi all, Is it possible from your experience to sand the gelcoat as seen in the picture (it is quiet thick) in order to get a smoother appearance and Are you ready to transform your boat sanding skills in just one day? In this comprehensive tutorial, we’ll provide you with easy-to-follow tips and techniques to achieve a smooth finish on your May 17, 2023 · Determine the level of repair needed based on the type of damage. Repairing cracked or chipped gelcoat is essential for maintaining the integrity You can now sand and apply a color-matching gelcoat to the area. Unfortunately, I put the gel coat on a little too thick. - - Step by step gel coat repair procedure - for minor repairs (https://www. In this guide, we’ll break down every step you need to know—from grit selection to wet sanding techniques—so you can Jan 27, 2025 · Discover all you need to know about marine gel coat repair from a boat expert. We’ll also discuss the cost of gelcoat repair and the necessary tools to get the job done. Remember to use a soft interface pad when sanding with the 800 grit abrasive. If a screw hole repair has a fiberglass core behind it, seal the core with epoxy. Color repair kits will also include a selection of different color pigments and mixing sticks. Sep 2, 2025 · Gelcoat protects fiberglass boats from water and UV damage, but over time it can fade, scratch, or crack. Be a big chicken here. May 4, 2022 · MUST WATCH TOPIC: I get asked many times a week what the proper way to sand freshly applied gelcoat without sanding through. ). i. Both fisheyes and pinholes can be repaired through proper sanding, cleaning the repair area and patching with gel coat. The trickiest part of this step is NOT to sand through the gel-coat. Our technicians suggest using Dykem Steel Blue Dye to be really thorough. Avoid contact with skin during mixing and spraying. So how much does it cost to gelcoat a boat? The answer probably won't surprise you—quite a lot! BoatUS Magazine's Mark Corke takes you through the steps for how to repair boat gelcoat. com/boating-forum/705544-step-step-gel-coat-repair-procedure-minor-repairs. If restoring the hull requires wet-sanding or rubbing compound, the general rule is to start with the least aggressive approach. I’ve read the spectrum “repair guidelines” and it seems pretty straightforward, mix the Gel coat with Cabosil Like other resins and fillers and patch the gouges. Cultured marble is a synthetic combination of marble dust, polyester resin, and pigments topped by a clear gel coat. May 26, 2023 · The colder it is, the longer it will take. You don't want a low grit against the old stuff or it'll scratch. What is Gelcoat? Dec 8, 2023 · Repairing the gel coat on your boat isn't as challenging as you think. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential steps and Safety Precautions: Gel coat and fiberglass repair require personal contact with a variety of solvents, each having its own characteristics. Sand well, mask off the area, fill with epoxy, remove tape, sand smooth, and apply finish (paint, varnish, etc. Oct 12, 2021 · I would put some masking tape down on the original side; maybe two layers before you sand so you know if you are hitting the old. Jul 8, 2015 · Clear or colored gel coat? How picky are you about having the repair blend in? The easiest method is to fill gel coat chips/scratches with thickened epoxy. Sanding Sand gelcoat surface with 800 grit abrasive on a dual action sander. Or is this not a good thing to do? May 27, 2022 · Gel coat has many uses including mold construction, manufactured parts, cosmetic gel coat repairs and yacht/boat construction. This involves removing any gel coat that has chipped or peeled away, cleaning any areas that have broken, and sanding away any rough or loose surfaces. Once prepped, mix up your gel coat according to product instructions and Part 2 of this video can be found here: • GELCOAT HOW-TO Wet Sand Gel Coat, Polishin Part 1 of 2. Set the speed of the dual action sander at 900 – 1100 Max. It’s easy to fix – sand lightly only at the crack, and widen it on the surface just a little, mix up the gelcoat and add some pigment of the color of the area you’re fixing to it. Sanding gelcoat is essential for repairs, refinishing, or polishing. Dec 17, 2024 · Gelcoat is a liquid that hardens to form a thick layer that's used to protect fiberglass and give it a shiny, smooth finish. Dec 20, 2022 · Just listen to the advice and pick the one that will work on your version of the gel coat and how serious the problem is. Sand it with the finest sandpaper you have the next day, and Got scratches, cracks, or dull spots on your boat’s gelcoat? Don’t worry! In this video, we’ll show you how to repair and restore your boat’s gelcoat like a Finish off – Once dry, sand down the gel coat resin and remove the masking tape before giving the surface a buffing to leave it nice, smooth and uniform finish. In my case, in a 65-degree temperature controlled garage the gel coat took around 2 hours. Finally, apply a coat of wax-based gel coat polish. For stress cracks, chips, or gouges, proceed to fill and repair. However, for more significant damage, it may be necessary to use additional repair methods, such as filling in the damaged area with gelcoat filler or replacing the damaged section altogether. Understanding how to effectively repair and restore your boat’s gel coat can extend its lifespan and keep it looking its best. Apr 19, 2022 · Damage to your boat's exterior needs to be repaired quickly and effectively. Continue wet sanding with 1500 grit paper. You'd find out when you sand the old gelcoat. Gelcoat FAQs When to repair gelcoat cracks? Cracks and scratches in gelcoat should be repaired immediately to prevent water from damaging the fiberglass structure of your boat and rusting metal components. In some cases, you may get away with very little sanding, depending on how well you smoothed and matched the clear gelcoat height to the surrounding surface. See full list on westmarine. Jun 17, 2020 · Buffing gelcoat must be done delicately so as not to create heat that can stain the surface. A better buffer will make the job much easier, but if the red is dead, it won’t help. RPM. If you enjoyed this video on how to wet sand a boat, remove fiberglass oxidation and restore the faded gel coat, then like 👍 the video or share it with your friends! 👇Have you tried wet Apr 20, 2009 · RE: Sticky Gel Coat Repair HELP! If I didn't want to hand sand the lower grits, would you all recommend using an electric palm sander or air sander. Gelcoat is formulated so the surface remains tacky until the fiberglass and resin is applied when the boat is originally made. Follow along to learn how to fix these t How To Gelcoat A Kevlar Canoe Before going to gelcoat a kevlar canoe repair, the first task is to decide whether you need to use it to the whole body surface or a specific part of it. thehulltruth. e. Details: Gel coat is a formula Feb 2, 2024 · Ease of Repair: If your boat’s gelcoat gets scratched or damaged, it’s relatively easy to repair. Oct 13, 2006 · After just reviewing our gelcoat repair procedure, its imparitive to match the sanding system to your gelcoat. Step 3: Sand the Area Using 220-grit sandpaper or a sandpaper suitable for the level of gelcoat damage, sand the area surrounding the damage. Gloves are provided. How do You Restore The Gel Coat On An RV? One of the things you will notice when you start researching this task. If there are some areas that require more Gel Coat, sand the area again, mix, and reapply gel coat if necessary. This will produce a very Apr 26, 2022 · Agree with mark, crazed gelcoat can be sanded and re-coated with a gelcoat repair kit. Take that, and dab it into the crack until it’s full. One caveat - occasionally, crazed gelcoat can be hiding a fiberglass issue. They are tiny holes in the gelcoat. com May 13, 2025 · Gelcoat is the protective coating that covers the fiberglass of boats and other watercraft. Feb 18, 2012 · Re: Wet Sanding Gelcoat - Making sure I'm doing it right Red can fade to the point of no return, so there's no guaranty it will look good again. You may have heard of additives like “sanding aid” or putting tape, PVA and waxed paper over the repair. Applying gelcoat to fiberglass is simple if you have the right tools and take care to mix your gelcoat properly. Next, use sandpaper to remove loose fibers or old gel coats from the boat’s surface. Professional refinishers are a better choice for less experienced Do-It-Yourselfers. , This guide gives you everything you need to know about how to repair gel coat surfaces on your boat. STEP 4: Inspect the repair for any small holes in the gel coat. Sanding gelcoat is the essential step before repairs, polishing, or repainting. Eye protection is required when grinding, drilling, sanding, and mixing. When you get a gouge or a scratch in the gelcoat of your fiberglass, you will have to clean it up by grinding or sanding before you can repair it. Nov 18, 2013 · I think the video pretty much explains everything. This gel coat repair DIY if you need to fix a boat ding, crack, or s May 9, 2017 · Restoring old gelcoat is a matter of degrees. In this video, we reveal the ultimate gelcoat polishing hacks that will give your surfaces a perfect shine! Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional Sanding Sand gelcoat surface with 800 grit abrasive on a dual action sander. You will find that many of the products and instructions will refer to marine use. First, prep the area to be repaired by cleaning it thoroughly with soap and water. With the correct grit sequence, you can restore smoothness and prepare for coatings that last. Mar 23, 2018 · No gel coat experience but I’ve painted several vehicles and associated body work and have made and modified fiberglass airplane cowlings/wingtips/custom pieces etc. Welcome to Marine Detail Supply - Tampa Bay!In today's video we outline the 4 steps to repairing scratched gel coat. I've done some minor bottom-side repairs that required almost no sanding at all. Safety Precautions: Gel coat and fiberglass repair require personal contact with a variety of solvents, each having its own characteristics. Repairing Hull Damage the Whaler Way by Taylor Clark The Whaler Way Since the hull of a Boston Whaler is constructed in a unique and patented way, the factory has provided special instructions for making repairs to this structure. No heroes! If you sand through the gel-coat, you have just quadrupled the work you'll need to do. Once your repairs are complete, it will be necessary to harden off the unused portion of the gel coat. Here’s a step-by-step guide to sanding gelcoat safely and effectively. With the waxed paper cup the repair will harden without the surface staying sticky. In this article, Tom Clark and I demonstrate the factory-recommend method to repair damage to a Boston Whaler. Apr 19, 2020 · Fiberglass kayaks don’t have paint on them – it’s a 2-part epoxy called “Gelcoat”. When there is a scratch on any portion of the canoe, you won’t require a gelcoat on the entire surface. All the tools and materials you need to do this are readily available to most people, and with a little Jul 28, 2025 · Wet sanding can be used to repair minor gelcoat damage, such as scratches or chips. Remove mylar - wet-sand, compound, polish and wax as needed to complete the repair. Wet-sanding the repaired area If you're considering wet-sanding the repaired area after gelcoat repair, you may be wondering how it works. First, you need to prepare the surface of the gel coat. Small Gel Coat Repair Kits Repair kits consist of a gel coat paste, a hardening agent, and sealing film. Cultured marble repair may involve a simple cleaning procedure or a multi-step refinishing process depending on the severity of the damage. For small, shallow scratches or oxidation, sand and buff the area. Gel coat repair kits are widely available and roughly equivalent to one another in my experience. html) Repairing scrapes in your hull isn't as difficult as you'd think. . Wear a vapor/particulate respirator (NIOSH/MSHA TC-23C). Gelcoat and Fiberglass repair can seem intimidating if you ha Aug 31, 2022 · Good news is that many boats can be restored to their factory-new shine by simply compounding and waxing the existing gel coat. Over time, even the most well-cared-for boats can develop cracks, scratches, and discoloration. Ventilation is required. Justin at The Skiff Shop shows us his process of grinding out the old gel coat, filling these cracks with resin paste Aug 26, 2025 · Boat hulls and fiberglass surfaces with gelcoat often develop oxidation, scratches, or cracks over time. If there's a hole or void in the fiberglass, it can be filled with fiberglass repair kit (usually some form of epoxy and, if a larger diameter hole, fiberglass mat. Allow the gel coat to cure for 60 minutes before handling. Here's how to make a seamless repair on vertical surfaces. Learn the best techniques, common mistakes, top products, and how Novelli Boats leads the future of boating with advanced technology and AI. But if the relatively soft surface has deteriorated and worn away, you'll need to either paint or re-Gelcoat the boat. Contact Our Gelcoat Repair Specialists Today! Gelcoat repair is a job for an experienced handyman. Because of the prominent chine line of the hull, the This video is a step by step on how to properly repair your cracked gelcoat. Keep away from heat, sparks Apr 26, 2014 · 10. If you are doing this repair on a part of the ski that is flat, use a sanding block. If you think I've never sanded t So, the GEL COAT on YOUR boat or RV is badly faded and oxidized! That's OK, I am going to show how to make your gelcoat shine like new again! Gelcoat restoration is not Rocket science, BUT You do I knocked a Chunk out of the bottom of my Boat! That's ok, I'm going to show You how to fix it. It is not real marble. a soft gelcoat would choke DA pads quicker than a harder gelcoat. Pinholes occur when gel coat fails to cure properly. This guide explains how to sand gelcoat Jan 30, 2024 · Revitalize Your Boat's Beauty: A Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Gelcoat Oxidation Does unsightly oxidation now mar your boat's once-gleaming gel coat? Don't fret – we've got you covered with The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. The application process is slightly different for each use but hopefully this guide will give you a good idea of what needs to be done when working with gel coat. Youll need to inspect the health of your gelcoat and decide which solution is best for you. Why Sand Gelcoat? Today I am showing you how to do a professional-grade Gelcoat repair in full detail. Try doing a small area and remove more of the faded red gel coat, don’t do much on the clear covering the metal flake though, if you sand into the flake layer it Sanding Existing Gel Coat: You want to sand the surface to make a mechanical bond to the gel coat. Whether you’re prepping for refinishing, fixing oxidation, or repairing small imperfections, sanding the hull properly makes all the difference in the outcome. With paint, repairs can be more noticeable and may require repainting larger sections for a uniform appearance. Jan 18, 2024 · Sanding a fiberglass boat is crucial in restoring the surface and ensuring strong paint or gelcoat adhesion. Repairing boat gel coat damage requires the right materials and a few steps. Once cured, it is time to sand and make that gel coat smooth. You can sand down the affected area and apply new gelcoat to blend seamlessly with the surrounding surface. Another way to cure the gel coat properly is to use a surfacing wax. To do this, you'll need an abrasive bit and a motor tool. If the gelcoat cracks were caused by fiberglass flexing, add some fiberglass reinforcement to the backside to help prevent future cracks. So You Damaged Your Gel Coat! That's ok, I'm going to show You how to fix it! Today I Will Mar 12, 2009 · Re: The proper way to wet sand a Gel coat hull I plan on doing a gelcoat revival on my dad's boat once mine is finished (payment for all the years he let me and my friends use it). Frequently re-wet the paper to remove the gel-coat dust (paste) from the work area. Sand until you’ve created a clean, smooth patch ready for gelcoat repair. If you have any Q's on what was covered please leave a comment below :-) Thanks for watching! Aug 24, 2024 · Maintaining the gel coat on your boat is crucial for both its appearance and protection against the elements. Join the Starke Education Class Series at Marine Detail Supply Company where our expert instructor, Cole Holbrook, guides you through the correct techniques of sanding gelcoat. The surfacing wax creates a barrier to air and helps to move the gel coat to the surface.