Fiberglass Gel Coat Repair, Any Advice On It?

[Boss .300 winmag]

It can’t be that hard to do, just looking for some lessons learned/good ideas.

[jay.sharkbait]

It can’t be that hard to do, just looking for some lessons learned/good ideas.

Is it crazing, chipping/voids or damage from an impact?

[Fl0und3rz]

Check out Youtube Sail Life Channel and BoatworksToday.  I can't point you to a specific video, as it has been a while since I've watched.  But I am confident you can find what you're looking for there.

[Boss .300 winmag]

It can’t be that hard to do, just looking for some lessons learned/good ideas.

Is it crazing, chipping/voids or damage from an impact?

Crazing, and one spot might be an impact, kind chipping from a tree limb.

[Born2late]

If the gelcoat is older it usually yellows some and when you fill it with new gelcoat that is white it will show, just so you know.
We use to have a additive we added when doing repairs so it was sandable.If not the top of it will be gummy and clog up the sandpaper.

[Boss .300 winmag]

If the gelcoat is older it usually yellows some and when you fill it with new gelcoat that is white it will show, just so you know.
We use to have a additive we added when doing repairs so it was sandable.If not the top of it will be gummy and clog up the sandpaper.

I did not care about the color. What was the additive?

[Born2late]

I can't remember. I think another way was to spray this stuff called pva over the top to seal it from air and that would keep it from being tacky also. I would ask a glass supply place though to make sure. the additive was easier.
I would typically grind out the gelcoat crack and feather the edges back. make sure to clean it with acetone so there is no dust in it so you get a good bond. catalize the gelcoat and mound it up so it higher then the surface so you can sand back down to make it even.if its on a vertical surface i would take tape and mound the gelcoat on with the tape folded back underneath it then roll the tape up and seal it all the way around it to keep it from dripping out.

[jay.sharkbait]

It can’t be that hard to do, just looking for some lessons learned/good ideas.

Is it crazing, chipping/voids or damage from an impact?

Crazing, and one spot might be an impact, kind chipping from a tree limb.

So all of the small cracks and fissures need to be removed. Either with a dremel or just grind the area down to laminate. If you go the dremel route, you just build catalyzed gelcoat up as necessary and leave it proud for sanding later. Gelcoat shrinks as it cures so you definitely want excess for a fair result later. Gelcoat can be sprayed if its a latger area but you need a fairly large tip. Gelcoat does not cure when its exposed to moisture (air) so additives are around to help with this. Wax is most common and some gelcoats come with it already mixed in. Spraying PVA over the top works and Duratec has some spray additives that help with leveling.

Or just leave it and enjoy as is.