Author Topic: gelcoat repair (Read 2305 times)

jetjunky101 · « **on:** August 28, 2011, 03:57:48 PM »

hey guys newbie here, is there any way for me to repair my gelcoat??? i've tried compounds,waxes, everything. or am i going to have to seek prof. painter??? thanx...

sorry..my ? is it easy enough 2 repair the gelcoat at home or should i find a prof. i know nothing about the process and i dont really have a closed shop or nothing like that for the process...because i asume i would need a clean area ...and where can i find the products

SuperJet · « **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2011, 04:15:39 PM »

Quote from: jetjunky101 on August 28, 2011, 03:57:48 PM

hey guys newbie here, is there any way for me to repair my gelcoat??? i've tried compounds,waxes, everything. or am i going to have to seek prof. painter??? thanx

Vague answere for vague question.... Yes you can.

SuperJet · « **Reply #2 on:** August 28, 2011, 04:16:48 PM »

what is wrong with your gel? any pics, we are a very visual group

crewchief22 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2011, 07:09:17 PM »

I use to deal with a mobil fiberglass/gel repair guy in Corona. It's been a long time but I'd bet that there is someone in your area.

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 28, 2011, 10:43:05 PM »

Quote from: SuperJet on August 28, 2011, 04:16:48 PM

what is wrong with your gel? any pics, we are a very visual group

well the bow is my only problem area the rest of the boat is ok...the bow is foggy...kinda oxidized,and rubbing compoud shines it up but it always comes back...almost like is has a grit to it ....dont have any pics yet but i will post asap...thanks

ka0tyk · « **Reply #5 on:** August 29, 2011, 10:29:56 AM »

have you tried wetsanding and then a cut and buff with rubbing compound and a DA?

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 29, 2011, 10:43:51 AM »

Quote from: ka0tyk on August 29, 2011, 10:29:56 AM

have you tried wetsanding and then a cut and buff with rubbing compound and a DA?

no all ive tryed it compounds a waxes...dont really know how the hole wetsanding works but im checking with a local guy that mite be able 2 help me out ...i just dont want 2 mess it up evan more...and DA wont peel the paint? like i said i dont really know anything about the process ...thanks

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2011, 09:20:09 AM »

thanks 4 tryin 2 help...but i think im gona go with a local guy that knows what hes doing....cuz i have no idea what im doin...insted of wasteing all kinds of $$$ and then haveing 2 hire someone 2 fix my f---ups...but thanks

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 16, 2011, 08:45:40 AM »

heres a pic of my problem...took me a bit 2 figure out the post a pic deal....but any ideas or just new paint

thanks...

GT Jets · « **Reply #9 on:** September 16, 2011, 09:26:32 AM »

Quote from: jetjunky101 on September 16, 2011, 08:45:40 AM

heres a pic of my problem...took me a bit 2 figure out the post a pic deal....but any ideas or just new paint

thanks...

That fade in the color is more than likely done in either a clear gel coat or polyurethane and may be a MOFO to fix.

My first recommendation would be to simply try some Nu Finish Restore....It works pretty well and may just do the trick. Don't even attempt wet sanding without someone experienced assisting you.

As long as there is not any crazing or small surface cracks, I would think it should come back to almost new using a foam pad on a variable speed buffer at a fairly low speed, make sure to keep the surface temperature wet with compound and cool, if it gets hot it will burn the gel coat/poly...

Good luck.

GT

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 16, 2011, 09:45:30 AM »

yha i tryed that and a 3m fiberglass restore....nothings worked...guess its time 2 repaint...it has some chips and dings that could be fixed 2 at the same time sooo....any idea what a paint job mite cost ? and gel coat or clear coat ? thanks agin

GT Jets · « **Reply #11 on:** September 16, 2011, 11:16:10 AM »

Quote from: jetjunky101 on September 16, 2011, 09:45:30 AM

yha i tryed that and a 3m fiberglass restore....nothings worked...guess its time 2 repaint...it has some chips and dings that could be fixed 2 at the same time sooo....any idea what a paint job mite cost ? and gel coat or clear coat ? thanks agin

This is going to sound redneck, so I apologize in advanced...

If that were my boat and I was happy with the color scheme (I actually do BTW) I would have someone experienced take a look at it and see if the topcoat can be color sanded off (which will more than likely take the fade job out) and redone.

The Areas can then be re-cleared and the fade even redone. Repainting cost........Figure between $2000-$10000

The problem with paint is it is nowhere near as tough as gel coat....

GT

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #12 on:** September 16, 2011, 01:44:08 PM »

well..the reason i asked is ...i talked 2 a pro. and he said anywhere from $500 - $1500 to wetsand and clearcoat sooo...

$1500 to sand and clear or $3000-$4000 to repaint

thanks

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 10, 2011, 01:27:36 PM »

ok ...here i go.... :banghead:i tryed a little wet sanding on a very small spot in the back part of the boat ...as im a broke f---er and can not pay someone 2 try and fix the paint....im fine with the color and i just want it to look better..so i,ve read some post that people have been able 2 get there paint back 2 almost lookin new if not better...

..so...what am i donig wrong? ive herd 1000 grit then 3000 grit and compound on a DA ? so what is the DA?..sorry dont want 2 seem like a dumb ass but in this department i guess i am

..but if anyone could help...thanks in advance

chris

ka0tyk · « **Reply #14 on:** October 10, 2011, 01:40:24 PM »

Quote from: jetjunky101 on October 10, 2011, 01:27:36 PM

ok ...here i go.... :banghead:i tryed a little wet sanding on a very small spot in the back part of the boat ...as im a broke f---er and can not pay someone 2 try and fix the paint....im fine with the color and i just want it to look better..so i,ve read some post that people have been able 2 get there paint back 2 almost lookin new if not better... ..so...what am i donig wrong? ive herd 1000 grit then 3000 grit and compound on a DA ? so what is the DA?..sorry dont want 2 seem like a dumb ass but in this department i guess i am ..but if anyone could help...thanks in advance

chris

a "DA" is a multi speed buffer, NOT AN ORBITAL. it just turns in one direction and it used with a foam pad. its VERY aggressive so you must be careful and keep it moving and cool or it WILL burn thru clearcoats and paint, especially on areas like creases and corners where paint is usually thinner.

ive wetsanded with a 1000 and then 3000 grit. keep the surface very wet. big bucket of water to constantly dip it in. then you need to take some rubbing compound which is like a 5000-8000 grit sandpaper but in liquid form along with a DA and just work the area slowly. no huge sections at a time. once thats complete you can jump up into a polish/glaze which starts to bring out the shine. once thats complete cover the whole thing in a coat of carnuba to protect it from the elements.

(note: the orbital in the pic was just to remove the carnuba after it had hazed since my arms were dead tired after all that hard work)

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 10, 2011, 01:54:43 PM »

thank you very much...yours was the post that i seen and was like shooot mabe i could do that ans save some $$$ and i could have somethin esle i could say that i did 2 my boat myself

well thanks agin and ill see what happens and hopefuly have some good b4 and after pic...or just one messed up paint job...buhahaha...either way im doing it myself

...thanks agin

chris

Rogers Hopeful · « **Reply #16 on:** October 10, 2011, 01:59:21 PM »

I wet sanded my boat last season. Started with 800, then 1000, 1500, 2000. Then used a $30 autozone polisher. used Meguires rv/boat High gloss polish and then the liquid wax.

wish i would have used the rubbing compound to get more of the fine scratches out.

Before:

After:

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 10, 2011, 02:36:58 PM »

thanks guys....1million dollhairs...

im gona give it a shot and see what happens...hopefuly

as long as it turns out better than the above pic ...i will be happy with it..

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 10, 2011, 03:38:55 PM »

well there went that early day off idea...was just about 2 get started....and here comes the rain. :banghead:owell gona have 2 wait 4 another day

ka0tyk · « **Reply #19 on:** October 10, 2011, 05:13:01 PM »

Quote from: jetjunky101 on October 10, 2011, 03:38:55 PM

well there went that early day off idea...was just about 2 get started....and here comes the rain. :banghead:owell gona have 2 wait 4 another day

wetsand in the rain.

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 10, 2011, 05:38:52 PM »

yha..thats what i was thinkin...then i was soaked...

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #21 on:** October 11, 2011, 12:13:20 PM »

ok...so...i got a few sessions of wetsanding in..1000 then 2000..alot of the white crap comein off that i can see...lookin preety good.

..so what should i be lookin for in the surface.before i start the compound process...thanks in advance

IRRebel · « **Reply #22 on:** October 11, 2011, 01:16:58 PM »

Quote from: Rogers Hopeful on October 10, 2011, 01:59:21 PM

I wet sanded my boat last season. Started with 800, then 1000, 1500, 2000. Then used a $30 autozone polisher. used Meguires rv/boat High gloss polish and then the liquid wax.

wish i would have used the rubbing compound to get more of the fine scratches out.

Pretty much what I did as well (Or, rather, made RJ do....

) But we were a little more agressive and started with 600, then two sessions of each 1000, 1500 and 2000. Then the rubbing compound with a buffer, then meguire's oxidation remover and high polish. I like Mother's Carnuba wax better, however so that's what we used.

Ray

ka0tyk · « **Reply #23 on:** October 11, 2011, 01:43:49 PM »

yeeeeaaaahhh i dunno about dropping down into the 800's... that seems pretty rough.

filterbiz · « **Reply #24 on:** October 11, 2011, 02:25:26 PM »

ray old moo in the back ground being used as a catch all!
haha

chris