After many disappointments, here's what I've learned: open cracks with a dremel tool and V shaped stones. ( I went down to the fiberglass). Bevel the edges. Sand with 60 grit dry paper. Vacuum dust from in & around repair area. Wipe in one direction with acetone. Keep the rag clean. Tape repair area, (I kept mine a small as possible). Use gel coat with wax in it & be sure to use the correct amount of hardner, ie: Evercoat One Step. Spread with West Epoxy stir sticks, try to keep area smooth & over fill the crack, it will shrink, up to 25%. When cured, use sanders only if you have to. I used 180 grit dry then moved to 320 wet then 500 wet then 800 wet. I used a spray bottle of water with dish soap in it. Helps keep the paper from loading up with gel coat. For the follow steps, I purchased 2 buffers from Harbor Freight, 1-6 inch & 1- 10 inch, ( I'm wet sanding the entire boat with 800 and performing the following); (purchase rubbing & polishing compounds in bottles). I purchased hook & Loop pads, (rubbing compound, polishing compound & wax), from HF and placed male Velcro on the pads that were on the buffers. I also purchased bonnets for the buffers but found placing a microfiber rag under the buffer saved a lot of time. I did " 2 coats" of rubbing then polishing then wax. Once I get some done correctly, I'll post pics. Like I said, until today it's been very nerve racking.
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08-02-2017, 02:48 PM
Hybrid Mode
