How to repair Gelcoat Part 2

This video segment is part two of a 2-part series that will show you how to do a simple non-structural gel coat repair.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• tap
• plastics
• gelcoat
• gel
• coat
• repair
• how-to
• fix
• fiberglass
• boats
• rvs
• jet
• skis
• trailers

[gardee37]

can I repair gelcoat/fiber glass spider web lines by drilling holes and apply gelcoat with fibers? these lines appeared years after a previous repair in same area.

[tapplastics]

@gardee37 The spider web lines are called 'stress cracks'. If they radiate from a point, they could be the result of impact. Since they are recurring, they are more likely the result of some stress or flexing that was greater than the gel coat's ability to absorb. The fact that they were repaired and returned indicates that any simple repair will be equally temporary. A permanent fix would involve reinforcing the area from behind to eliminate the flexing.

[tapplastics]

If you apply gel coat with fibers, the repair will be conspicuous and not attractive. A better approach would be to grind down the area, apply some mat and resin, then top coat with gel coat. Once cured the gel coat will need to be sanded smooth and buffed to a shine.

[soccergal500]

do you sell a kit with the plastic , sand paper etc.. for small repairs on jet ski

[tapplastics]

@soccergal500 Not at this time.

[denzzz28]

tapplastics,

how thick can the gel coat go? the round edge of my bumper has a hole about an inch wide and 3/4 inch deep. it looks like a bubble was created during the moulding process between the gelcoat and the fiber glass. i was thinking of filling it with gelcoat. will that work? thanks

[tapplastics]

@denzzz28 Thickness of gel coat should be no thicker than 12 to 18 mils, it can’t be used as a filler.

[payjals]

thnks tap plastic.. :)

[smclaren67]

Extremely helpful vid. Thank you tapplastics !

[MegaNfj]

@gardee37 not a problem. dremmel them out wider than the actual stress fracture. key the area up with 120 grit and fill with chopped strand fibre glass. wait for that to cure and then sand back to a flush finish. gel and repeat the sanding process.

[SU83FIN]

you can use styrene in a cloth to wipe the final gelcoat layer to make it dry...or you can repair with topcoat. both ways will last as a repair, but of course the second way is much easier and more recommended ;)

[quikvmax]

THANKS for posting this vid.

[dickaldor]

Grea video! repairing my old boat due to me selling it. This video and the first one was great! To bad I cant get Tap products in Sweden.

Thanks for sharing

Dave

[tapplastics]

@rubberduckno1 You can but it does take experience to get it to work right.