Gelcoat looks like the moon

Stu Jackson · Jul 8, 2011

Wow. Do you have any idea how that got that way? The indentations look too deep for using even rubbing compound. I'd start with Collinite cleaner, a liquid light abrasive compounding-type material. If that doesn't work, get some more abrasive compounding, like basic rubbing compounding from an auto store. I'd start on an area "out of the way" if you could. If not, it might be worthwhile to consider acetone or paint brush cleaner to get the bad color out, and then re-gelcoat the "refinished" surface.

There was all sortsa of stuff I didn't know how to deal with when we bought our boat. There's still stuff I don't know, like how to use WEST System epoxy, but many here do and will be more than willing to share their recommendations for your issue.

Good luck. Can't wait to see the finished results.

Stu

Steve Dion · Jul 8, 2011

Actually I would start with some Totally Awesome from the Dollar Store and just see that it does/does not do! This looks like non-skid!

Could this be a patch from a previous owner?

wetass · Jul 8, 2011

That was there from the beginning - you may have exposed it more after polishing off the outer layer. My understanding is that this happens when there is too much catalyst, solvent, or something else getting in the gelcoat. Only way to fix (if its really bugs you) is to sand it out and put new down - but you are likely to have to sand off most of the gelcoat in that area - is it really worth it?

wetass · Jul 8, 2011

Oh wait - You said 2' by 1' - I was picturing 2" by 1" - Nevermind - totally worth it ;-) Just have a good gelcoat shop match the color for you - Not worth trying to do it yourself. I've been trying to for 20 years on many projects and have gone through many gallons of gelcoat trying to match color and can come close, but can never get totally there. A good shop can do this quick. You can send a small plug to GCP here in Seattle and they will nail the color match for you - Plug only needs to be a couple inches in diameter - maybe less.

wetass · Jul 8, 2011

You may want to poke around a bit in your neck of the woods as well to see if you can find a gel-coat shop to save shipping costs - doesnt have to be marine - many more pools, showers, and hot tubs are covered in gelcoat then boats and they too need repairs. I know GCP ships all over the nation and abroad, but they aren't the only ones - I just know their work and it is consistently good.

Joe · Jul 8, 2011

I'd just fill it in with epoxy primer, paint it with a decent topside paint, and put a cushion over it. Gel coat is a nightmare.

Douglast · Jul 8, 2011

Joe said:
I'd just fill it in with epoxy primer, paint it with a decent topside paint, and put a cushion over it. Gel coat is a nightmare.

x2....or even a good epoxy cement floor paint and then a topside paint...
i have had good luck using interlux two part epoxy for most everything i do over gelcoat

RON20406 · Jul 9, 2011

saltysailor said:
I have about a 2' by 1' strip of Gelcoat in the cockpit that looks terrible.
This is a macro shot to see how pitted it really is.

GelCoatPitting1 by picndicular, on Flickr

Any suggestions to fix it up? I have no Resin/Gelcoat/Epoxy experience but you got to start somewhere. I know matching colors, even white is about impossible but I feel like if I don't do anything it's just going to get worse and worse.

What you have is a total degradation of the gelcoat exposing the fiberglass substrata beneath. You have two options: 1.) sand off the remaining gelocat and repaint or 2.) sand off the remaining gelcoat and re-gelcoat. If you lack skills, option number one is your best choice. Good luck and good sailing, Ron