What is the best filler to use on deep scratches

[weekendfisher]

Hi Guys,
With winter rolling around soon here in Aus i have decided it is about time to get around to stripping out and tidying up my boat and laying down a fresh coat of paint.
What i want is some peoples advice on which is the best filler to use to cover up deep scratches upto about 1 mm deep on the top and inside the boat?
It is a fibre glass open type 15ft runabout

I was going to use a fibreglass filler but i am not sure if that would be best.
It will not be doing anything structural just covering up marks.

I want to get it all nice and smooth before i lay down a coat of paint
i have done one other boat we sanded it back filled with car filler which states it can be used on metal wood and fibreglass hit it with a primer then top coat and it came out well.
But if there is a better way to do it i would like to know
Sorry if it is in the wrong section seemed like the correct area.
Thanks

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: What is the best filler to use on deep scratches

I would avoid the automotive filler's....... most actually adsorb water.

Are you going to use paint or gelcoat to repair the finish?

I will move this to the restoration section for you...... there are many methods to fill deep scratches but they all determine what you put over them as a final finish.

 

[weekendfisher]

Re: What is the best filler to use on deep scratches

Thanks Bob,
I will be coating it in paint just easier as i can do spray painting at home have done a few cars and 1 boat so now it's my boats turn.
Would the fibre glass filler be a better option ?
Thanks

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What is the best filler to use on deep scratches

I'd probably use one of the 3M marine fillers http://www.iboats.com/Marine-Putty/...earch--submit.x.0--submit.y.0--view_id.246668

 

[micks110]

Re: What is the best filler to use on deep scratches

I used 3m premium filler with great results. It is easy to sand and recommended for above and below the water. I also used the 3m high strength filler for some of my deeper "valleys" that needed to be built up some, and then I used the premium over that because the high strength is very tough to sand.

Sounds like for your application the 3m premium filler is the way to go.

Good Luck!

 

[weekendfisher]

Re: What is the best filler to use on deep scratches

Thanks for the advice
I think i will head down to the local boat shop and see if that have any of the 3M filler there.
Seems a bit pricey to ship it to Aus with the extra dangerous goods fees.
Can't argue with a product recommended for boats would much rather put down something that will stay and not crack of life of in a few months
Cheers