Need some recommendations for gelcoat chip repair

[vetting]

Have a 89 Cobia 265 FC. Its setup as a great lakes fishing boat so it doesnt have to be 100% perfect, but I'd like to start tackling some gelcoat repairs. I've done everything from regular maintenance to complete stringer replacements, but gelcoat has me a little stumped. Would like to start repairing some gelcoat chips that have come as a result of 30 years of service. Any recommendations on how to repair chips like in the pictures? Recommendations for brand/materials? I was thinking thickened gelcoat without wax to build it up a little and then let it cure with wax paper. Then waxed gelcoat and then sand/buff?

 

[todhunter]

I'm sure one of the more knowledgeable folks will come along shortly, but I'm working on gelcoat repairs on my boat as well, for the first time. To me, color matching seems to be the hardest part. I bought my my materials from US Composites - natural (no tint) unwaxed gelcoat, wax additive, liquid color concentrates, and cabosil.

Your logic seems to be on the right path, but I used waxed gelcoat for each application so I could sand in between. Build it up then sand it down with progressively finer grits, and progressively larger areas to blend in the repair, then buff.

 

[Woodonglass]

For chips that small, I’d use unwaxed thickened gel coat and cover with Saran Wrap. It’ll cure just fine. D prep first, wipe with acetone then apply GC!

 

[tpenfield]

It's not hard . . . will take 5 minutes.

Gelcoat patch kits typically will have some basic colors for color matching, or you might be able to get the Spectrum brand of gelcoat in the factory color.

A little prep to the area, a dab of gelcoat, and then a small piece of clear plastic over the area to force it smooth while the gelcoat cures (don't forget the hardener - MEKP)