Impact Damage: Can I just flow coat over the top of the cracks?

[smartalik]

Hi All,

I'm working on restoring my gelcoat and I have some impact damage. I have sanded this back to find the cracks are into the fibreglass laminate. Can I just flowcoat over the top of this or do I have to grind out the cracked laminate and re - glass it and then flow coat it?

Regards,

Sean

 

[Outback Jack]

Re: Impact Damage: Can I just flow coat over the top of the cracks?

Hey smartalik most will recommend that you die grind the cracks. If you are to check out a thread started by Yacht Dr you will find everything you need. Here is the thread

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=320724

Jack

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Impact Damage: Can I just flow coat over the top of the cracks?

Back of a bit with the camera and let us see just exactly where this damage is located. Do you have access to the back of the damage?

 

[smartalik]

Re: Impact Damage: Can I just flow coat over the top of the cracks?

Some of the impact damages I would be able to get to the back of it when they are more on the side of the boat. Towards the bow and lower down the backs would not be accessible without cutting into some sealed seats in the cabin. I'll definately check out the thread outback jack has listed. Thanks for the help and comments guys. I've been on these formus for about 2 weeks now and the information is absolutely brilliant.

Woodonglass (I've read a few of your posts and comments so happy to see you reading mine) I have some more photo's I'll update tonight when Im home with a more zoomed out view so you can see where the damages are. When you see the photo you'll see there are actually about 8+ spots I'll be working on with similar damage.

Regards,

Sean

 

[smartalik]

Re: Impact Damage: Can I just flow coat over the top of the cracks?

Here are some pictures zoomed out so you can see where these impacts are and also after some sanding/grinding. I have quite a few on the other side as well. I've grinded out the cracks with the centre deepest so as to give it some minor scarfing. Not sure if thats neccessary on this kind of repair as there will probably be only one layer of glass going down? However the centre of the damage was probably the deepest into the laminate. I will continue to prep the other damages the same unless someone here suggests otherwise and then mix up a batch of resin and then coat and lay some CSM. I then have some paint on flow coat to try over the top.

Regards,

Sean