How do I fix a Fiberglass problem?

[gkendric]

I have had a 1992 Sprint 286 ProTournament Fiberglass boat as a second owner and not long ago paid to have the fiberglass finish redone and made looking good. That lasted almost a year then the fiberglass started showing signs of pealing and bubbling up of the fiberglass finish. Now I'd love to be able to get the boat looking good again but I can't seem to find how to do it. I'd just like to have the bubbles disappear and especially the pealing and have it appear as it did before. I do wax and polish the boat each year and while polishing compound followed by waxing does help the oxidation finish blend into the fiberglass that still has the finish.

I'd love to find something that would make it look new again or at least where the pealing isn't as visible and noticeable.

Thanks in advance.




https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1922362_10152253430131425_1718623527_n.jpg

 

[tpenfield]

Re: How do I fix a Fiberglass problem?

Looks like it was painted with clearcoat and now that is coming off. Not really a fiberglass problem, but looks to be a real PITA to fix.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: How do I fix a Fiberglass problem?

Yes its peeling clear coat, like the famous chev paint jobs of years past. To fix you strip it off. Sand down and repaint.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: How do I fix a Fiberglass problem?

You might try some Paint Stripper to remove the clear. Do a small area first and don't let it set to long just in case it has and adverse reaction with the Gelcat that's on the boat. The issue is they sprayed Automotive Clear Coat over your "GelCoat" boat. As you can see, this usually does not work due to adhesion problems. Due to the nature of the Beast and how Heavy Metal Flake Gelcoated boats are produced, once the finish begins to get cloudy and dull there's really no good method to bring it back. Lot's of temporary fixes but no Permanent ones that I'm aware of. The only other way to get the Clear coat off is to wet sand it back down to your existing gelcoat.