Gelcoat repair question

[dsmboosted]

I am trying to repair the spidercracks in my gelcoat dasboard and drill holes in the gelcout (inside) boat. My boat is 20 years old, so instead of tring to color match the defects, I want to fill them and recoat everything.

After doing research I found a few products that might work, but Im still a little lost. Here is what I might try:

1) Fill the cracks and drill holes in with Capt tolleys creeping crack cure2) Primer with Interlux Pre-Kote (one part topside enamel)
3) Paint with Interlux Brightside one part polyurethane with teflon

My questions:

Q1) Am I using the correct product? I want it to look shinny, just like gelcoat. I dont want it to look like paint. I couldnt find true gelcoat.

Q2)Should I apply with a brush or will it leave brush marks? Should I invest in a good sprayer?

Please Help!

Zach

 

[divedaddy]

If you use paint, it will look like paint.

With the age, an exact color match will probably not be possible. But with some decent prep work of the repair and surrounding area, the difference should be barely noticeable.

A good source for colored gel coat is Spectrum Color. They have pre-colored gel coat in quarts to match that of many boat manufacturers. Google "spectrum color", then see the product catalog link, and then Gel Coat Products. You can also call them at 1.800.754.5516

edit - Here's a video that will give you an idea of what's involved for simple cosmetic repairs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcVOVMLvDwM&feature=related

 

[Gregory S]

I don't think you are going to be able to fill holes with Capt. Tolleys. It has a thin consistency so it can wick into small cracks. I'd fill the holes with Marintex or equiv., and then get the proper gelcoat for final repair.

 

[blueflew]

you have to open up the spider cracks so you can get some gelcoat in them (like that youtube video). Marinetex is a good and strong filler/adhesive, but its an epoxy and polyester gelcoat will not bond well to epoxy. if you need to fill holes, add some milled fibers or cabosil to polyester resin and fill the hole. Sometimes spider cracks are an indication of a weak underlying laminate and a cosmetic fix may not last if this is the case. You need to determine what is causing the spidercracks.Since this is the dashboard and if its badly spidercracked, you may be better off filling them,sanding the whole dashboard and regelcoating or painting it. If you paint, I've heard members on this board using awlgrip and a roll and tip method with good results instead of spraying. I've never used awlgrip so maybe someone with this experience can chime in.If you regelcoat the whole thing, it should be sprayed.

 

[dsmboosted]

Thanks for the reply guys...I will do some research on all of your reccomendations and post my findings and final decision...thanks!

Zach