Matching Gelcoat

[Jfelkins]

I'd like to try to match a gelcoat repair to the original gelcoat color (ivory). Any advice? I know this has driven people crazy in the past but I want to try. I got a preval sprayer. I've seen how they use a computer at Lowes to match paint chips. It would be cool if I could utilize something like that. Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[All U Get]

West

I'd like to try to match a gelcoat repair to the original gelcoat color (ivory). Any advice? I know this has driven people crazy in the past but I want to try. I got a preval sprayer. I've seen how they use a computer at Lowes to match paint chips. It would be cool if I could utilize something like that. Thanks for any thoughts.

I've watched the video from WM and it seems simple, (not easy). Trial and error on a small area wouldn't be a bad start.
All U Get

 

[DeniseO30]

Mini-craft in FLA sells color matched gel coat. I've not bought anything but they seem to be the single best source for all things "glass" http://minicraft.com/

 

[Dave Harrod]

I wish I could offer you a simple explanation but after 30 odd years in the fibreglass industry I can only tell you that unless you have plenty of different gellcoats on hand to mix and plenty of time it is almost imposible to match perfectly. Even computor matching doesn't guarantee a perfect finish, I found a far better result was to employ a professional painter and use a two pot paint product, good luck.

 

[Ross]

Depending upon how much is needed I have had modest success with a piece of window glass for a mixing surface and some colorant from my favorite paint store. Start with the white and with a toothpick pick up tiny amounts of color and blend it into the white. A little bit goes a very long way.

 

[Levin]

Hello there...

I thought I would throw this out as it was a link given to me many years ago that really helped me out when I needed some gelcoat repair.

www.spectrumcolor.com

Check them out... they have color matches for a lot of boats of a lot of years. Depending on how big an area you want to repair they have quarts or gallons of pre-color matched gelcoat and resin that works almost perfectly. I have used this a few times and I have to say I have always been impressed with the results.

Hope this helps.

-Levin

 

[Jfelkins]

Thanks all. I'll check all of these sources. I have a small spot (dollar bill size) to match.

 

[BobT]

Ditto on minicraft. they probably have your boat on file. they did for mine. Keep in mind, your color has faded over time. If you match it the new area will fade differently. I used their product. They supply a kit with everything you need to clean, mix and apply the stuff for around $100. I did a similar sized spot and several gouges and nicks. I could see a slight difference for about a year. It seems to be fading in nicely.