GEL COAT REPAIRS

[paintman]

How do you repair crazing in stress areas in the gel coat on wings etc...

[Bulldog Bri]

I have a book on fibreglass repairs if you would like to borrow it... 

['Mendip Wurzel']

My method is to strengthen the back with fibreglass to prevent further flexing. Then fill the crazing with car body filler and re-spray the panel. I'm not sure how possible it is to repair the actual gel coat. 

[Furore Phil]

Prevention is best. Crazing is caused by stones impacting on the inside. It might be a tad icky but that nasty mastic like underseal works a treat. It never really hardens, so deadens the impact.

You should really be painting the inside of GRP anyway. A good coat of matt black paint really brings out the colour on the other side ! It prevents light passing through the panel which washes out the colour and can make it patchy.

[foggy]

Just read the bit on Gel coat, having owned boats in the past, you can buy Gel coat in a tube,just like body filler. I normally use the white, but I beleive you can different colours,just mix the hardener and paste together,apply to the damaged area.I use cellotape over the top,just to get a nice finish. I have some in my work shop if you need some,give us a shout,or you can buy it at any good boat chandlers, either in Bristol or Portishead marina.

[paintman]

Thanks for all the info. all of you.