Filling Screw Holes

[Craig]

I have a few screw holes in various places on my deck that I would like to repair. some of these are in places where the gelcoat or fiberglass is very thin, like 1/16 inch or less. How do you repair this? I can put in a screw with a finish washer, but this looks alittle unfinished. Any suggestions on how to fill,sand and finish so you can't see the hole? Thanks. craig

 

[Dr.J.]

hole repair

I would recommend 3M-5200 MARINE CAULKING SEALANT if the holes are small, and smooth with a spatula. The 5200 is water proof and moisture helps it cure: 48 hrs to touch/7 days total cure. It comes in white, has a shine and never yellows. Definitely keeps water out. Sherwin Williams can order it or may stock it. 14.00 dollars for a 1/10th gallon tube.

 

[Steve Dion]

What about epoxy fill.

Craig:Don't want to take away from what the Dr. suggested but......What about just masking off the areas where you want to make the repairs. If they are small holes you could just take a piece of masking tape and put a hole in it with a hole punch or something of that sort. Then mask off the ajoining area in case of a spill.There are these cheapo epoxy repair kits that have the two parts in a syringe. Just inject them into the holes. Besure not to over fill or there will be more cleanup. Then just get one of the gel coat touch up kits from West Marine, or maybe Hunter may have some kits too. If these spots are in the non-skid you will probably never see them. If they are in the smooth areas they will need to be prepped before the gel coat goes on. Good project for the photo forum. Take pictures. If it turns out good you are the new expert. If it turns out bad don't tell us.Good luck

 

[A.L. ("Jim") Willis Pres of ISLAND GIRL PROD.]

Gelcoat matching

This reply also deals with the spider cracking quation. 1. Degrease area2. Dremel out3. Fill with gelcoat containing micobeads or non-porous bondo (epoxy, or 3M vinyl)4. feather-edge and apply color matched gelcat.5. Buff and wax.THanksJim W