Accidently Sanded Gel Coat to Fiberglass HELP!

KSKay

Recruit
Joined
May 26, 2020
Messages
5
I'm working on a 1989 Arriva 2000 which was painted black by the previous owner. I'm in the process of removing the automotive paint to expose and restore the original gel coat. The paint won't come off with stripper so I've been sanding it off.

Unfortunately I sanded to much in a couple areas and exposed the fiberglass. How can I repair this or am I screwed? Can I just get a gelcoat repair kit, try and match the color and lay it over the exposed areas?

I'm really disappointed in myself for not being more careful.

1st boat I've ever owner and just want to bring it back to 1989
 

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racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
36,050
Everybody seems to have a different approach to cosmetics on a boat.------I for one would do a thorough inspection of transom / stringers and that FORCE engine.-----The boat is 30 years old and there may bell be hidden issues.------Paint is the last thing to worry about.
 

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
17,624
Nice going. 🙄

sounds like you are doing something that is difficult to begin with. Maybe sand the paint and then gel coat
 

KSKay

Recruit
Joined
May 26, 2020
Messages
5
Everybody seems to have a different approach to cosmetics on a boat.------I for one would do a thorough inspection of transom / stringers and that FORCE engine.-----The boat is 30 years old and there may bell be hidden issues.------Paint is the last thing to worry about.
Had the boat out all season. I got the Force motor running in March and used it all summer, it's been fogged and lower unit oiled replaced for the winter. Interior has been gutted, transom is isolated from the stringers and thank god is solid, stringers and floor are being replaced as soon as my glassing supplies arrive.

In the mean time I've been working on the exterior. Sanding off the black auto paint to expose the gelcoat and then wet sand and polish it up to a nice glossy finish. I've tested an area that I uncovered wet sanding with a variety of increasing grits and it looks great even before polish.
 
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