gel coat repair (blisters)

[Don Bodemann]

I scrapped off some tiny blisters leaving a very shallow 1/32 " crator of about 1/4". These have been washed and dryed for several months and now I'd like to fill them. I suspect I should use fairing compound? or some kind of epoxy?? Whats the best? Thanks,

 

[Ed Schenck]

West System?

I had the same type and size on my H37C Don, maybe 50 or so. I used the West System booklets for my directions. Then five coats of Interlux 2000E.Last time at the marina the yard guys were fairing a seriously blistered boat. They were using a red compound, came in two cans that looked like auto wax. It is an epoxy that mixes 50:50. Both are pastes so easily handled. Wish I could remember the brand name. (David's got it, MAS is the name.)

 

[David]

Don

I had a similar problem when I bought the boat five years ago. I stripped the bottom paint dryed and filled the small craters with epoxy fairing compound and applied a couple of coats of clear epoxy as a barrier coat. None have reappeared. I think that if I were doing only a small area I would use the same method only applying epoxy to the repaired area. A company called MAS Epoxy sells an epoxy fairing compound kit that is 1 quart filler and 1 quart hardener.

 

[Steve Dion]

Marine Bondo

Don:Bondo makes a marine grade product. Probably the same type of product as mention by the other posters.

 

[Jeff Bugbee]

West System

The best system to use is the 1West System Epoxy with the Fast Set hardner and 407 faring filler. Mix it up to peanut butter and you can fill in anything. You need to make sure that you edge out the hole 3 times its original size so you can get a good grip, and a smooth finish.

 

[Jim willis]

IN addition to all of these.......

You might want to look at the general fiberglass articles on the Gelcoat and Plastics Forum.However, you are wise in having done the most important steps- opening, rinsing and THOROUGHLY DRYING.I used 3M vinyl ester before on mine, but now I would use West Systems and they make a great video too.ThanksJim W

 

[R.W.Landau]

Read the label

Some of the marine fillers are for above waterline only.If you use a filler make sure it is for blisters. The West System can be used with out worry.About 2 years ago some manufactures pulled some of their products because they has problems. I think most of the problem products are off the market.r.w.landau