Matching gelcoat. White 1984

Boatboy6 · #1 10-10-2012, 11:03 PM

There are afew holes/chips in my console and around the boat that I would like to repair and was wondering if anyone produced a matched gelcoat that I could use. I don't want to repaint the whole console (even though that would probably be the best way to go about it). Also what is the best way to go about repairing the hole in the top of the console?

Capt Chuck · #2 10-10-2012, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Also what is the best way to go about repairing the hole in the top of the console?

Cover it up. Try a drink holder or keepsake Bummble-Head

BigLew · #3 10-11-2012, 07:20 AM

How anal do you want to get,or put another way, how much "on-the-water-time", are you willing to use chasing things that simply multiply?

Rondo · #4 10-11-2012, 10:22 AM

You can get color matched gelcoat by manufacturer from Mini-craft of Florida. Just remember that your gelcoat may have faded so the color may not be perfect until the repair ages. to repair, back the underside of the holes with F/G mat or with silver metal duct tape ( not the gray duck tape everybody uses ). Then fill the holes with a good polyester marine fillers, leaving 2 or 3 mms deep for the gelcoat. mix the gelcoat and wax and fill leaving a slight "crown" over the repair. When dry, start sanding. First, rub a little black lacquer ( sprayed over an acetone wet rag to thin it) over the repair, and, using a sanding block sand it level. For small repairs I would start with 100 grit. When the lacquer is gone and the repair looks level, switch to 200 grit. Rub lacquer over repair and sand just until the lacquer disappears. switch to 300 or 400 grit and repeat the drill. switch to 600, 1000, 2000, each time repeating the process. use wet/dry paper and lubricate repair with water while sanding. Most importantly, don't be too aggressive with the initial sanding. You want to level the repair with the surrounding gelcoat, not remove the surrounding gelcoat. using the lacquer will help you gauge only how much you need to remove between sandings. Finally, polish the repair with a machine and fine compound or polish. If you.ve followed these instructions the repair should look good. It's worked well for me. Remember, this isn't rocket science. just take your time, follow the mixing instructions for your filler and gelcoat, and you should be fine. good luck with your repairs.

Boatboy6 · #5 10-11-2012, 07:03 PM

Thanks for the info guys. The holes just tick me off whenever im on the boat and i figured that if i could make them atleast alittle less noticeable it would be nice. I was looking at mini-craft's site last night.They want $85 to custom match the gelcoat so i think i may just go with a standard white patch kit. At this point i think anything will look better.

BigLew · #6 10-11-2012, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boatboy6

Thanks for the info guys. The holes just tick me off whenever im on the boat and i figured that if i could make them atleast alittle less noticeable it would be nice. I was looking at mini-craft's site last night.They want $85 to custom match the gelcoat so i think i may just go with a standard white patch kit. At this point i think anything will look better.

If you tke the time and attention to fair it out and make it a good looking repair job, albeit a color match, your friends will remeber what they did while on the boat and not the slight mis match of colors.

Go make some good memories: that's what boats are about!!!!

Rondo · #7 10-11-2012, 08:28 PM

Try U.S. Composites. You can buy a quart of white gelcoat for about $16. It will come with hardener. you can order wax additive too. they also have color for gelcoat. If your white gelcoat has a tint to it, e.g. yellow or gray or whatever, you can mix up a pretty good match by pouring a cupful of gelcoat, without wax or hardener, and adding small amounts of color to it. then dab a bit on your console and compare. you might have to mix colors to get a close match if it's an odd tint. Once you have a close match take a few ounces from your cup, add wax and hardener, and make your repairs. You can store the rest for several months in a jar for future repairs.

Boatboy6 · #8 10-11-2012, 09:19 PM

Pulling the boat out the 18th (isn't the northeast great :/), so sadly memory making time is just about over for this year, but next year will be even better, and we'll look good doing it! I'm just trying to get an idea of the work I have ahead of me this winter.

Thanks for the tip on us composites, ill check them out!