Glass Repair

[agallant80]

I have a few deep scratches on the bottom of my hull that I would like to take care of. They are from running aground on a sand bar. Worst one bay be 1/32 deep. Any ideas on what to use to fill these deep scratches?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Glass Repair

just some gelcoat. Sand the surface down as close to the scratches as possible with 120 grit-ish and paint on some gelcoat then wet sand and buff. If the color matches you are truly lucky.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Glass Repair

Should I fill it with epoxy then gel coat or will the gel fill the scratches?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Glass Repair

Should I fill it with epoxy then gel coat or will the gel fill the scratches?

Ayuh,.... Gelcoat is polyester, 'n it don't like to stick to epoxy,...

Use thickened gelcoat to fill, 'n gelcoat to cover,...

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Glass Repair

You might not need to thicken the gelcoat at 1/32" (30 mils) depth. typical gel coat will hang on well at 18 mils and you'll need two or three layers because it shrinks as it cures. Be sure to sand between each layer if you do. I think gelcoat is better with out cabasil mixed in if that can be avoided, JMHO.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Glass Repair

Pics always help us to help you. Scratches can sometimes best be addressed with a v-bit on a dremel. Then wash em out with Acetone and over fill with Gelcoat paste. Once cured sand, fair and polish.
Adding cabosil to the gel when used as a filler does not adversely affect it based on the research I've done, but hey I'm just an Old Dumb Okie and George was in the boat building business for years...you should consider that in your repair plans.

 

[Three08]

Re: Glass Repair

Most boating shops sell a gel coat repair paste you could use for this, you can color match it using gel coat pigment. There's also a product called keel guard that you might like to take a look at if you're expecting to be beaching the boat a lot.