Small scratches and chips in fiberglass

lonesouth

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 26, 2010
Messages
117
I have a few small scratches and chips in the hull of my 2004 Glastron. Do these require repair, and if so, what is the best way to fix them? I haven't worked with fiberglass before, but my limited research makes me think I should be able to handle it.

Thanks!

658dfb94.jpg
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Small scratches and chips in fiberglass

I'm no fiberglass guy but I'm thinking some MarineTex or 3M marine filler would fix those right up.
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,926
Re: Small scratches and chips in fiberglass

Yep, I'd use 3M filler and then brush on some gelcoat. Sand, buff and polish.
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Re: Small scratches and chips in fiberglass

They don't need to be repaired, its only a cosmetic issue.

If you want to fix them get a small gel coat patch kit, not all white gel coat is white, the kit should have a few pigments that may allow you to get the color a little closer. It takes very little pigment to change the color, so take it easy.
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Small scratches and chips in fiberglass

Hello Lonesouth..

Here is what I would do..

1. take a black marker and scribble the repair area.
2. with a dampened acetone rag smear the ink around ( to fill in the scratches ).
3. sand out all of those small scratches so you can get a better idea of what you need to fill. ( most of that will come out just by sanding..so do that First before you start filling and fairing ).
4. Die grind/dremel out all those spots that were not sanded out.
5. fill with gelcoat paste ( yes you can try to mess around matching and what not..but unless you kinda know what your doing with colors you might make it worse off .. might ).
5.a. fill HIGH because gelpaste will shrink alot more than you think.
6. sand and buff.

Have a beer ( though I dont know your age and/or condone underage drinking :) ).

YD.

PS. I might have missed a few " have a beer " steps in there somewhere ;) .
 

lonesouth

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 26, 2010
Messages
117
Re: Small scratches and chips in fiberglass

Thanks for the education! I'll see if I can get some paste on the way home.
 

markn88

Seaman
Joined
May 2, 2011
Messages
64
Re: Small scratches and chips in fiberglass

i have the exact same issue.. where can we get the paste
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Small scratches and chips in fiberglass

i have the exact same issue.. where can we get the paste

Depends on the year make and model.


Um You answered your own question with a product that is NOT recommended ( IMO ) for gelcoat repairs ( Its a one part filler ).

Get the Gelcoat matched to you boat for best results.

OH..and Spraying over the filled repairs is always the Best bet for longevity of the repair :) .

YD.
 

markn88

Seaman
Joined
May 2, 2011
Messages
64
Re: Small scratches and chips in fiberglass

thanks ill have to find one that i can match colors with
 
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