Spraying Gel Coat

[Dave Mauney]

I have been reading and checking archives on repairing gelcoat cracks and spider cracks and crazing. Assuming that the cracks or area is ground to the glass base and I need to rebuild the 0.020" gelcoat surface, what application method is best? I have seen filling in with a squeegee which I have plenty of for epoxy lamination or spraying which I don't have and really don't want to set up for if I don't have to. I prefer to do this reather than paint. I guess my real question is "What are the advantages in spraying the gelcoat as opposed to squeegee application and sanding back?"Good Winds,Daves/v DAMWEGAS

 

[ted]

Dave, I brush my gelcoat on.

I repaired several long cracks and a whole in the hull by brushing on the gel coat. Once dried I used 600/1200 sand paper to feather the edges in and take out any brush strokes. I followed up with a buffer and varing grits of compound, buffing the whole area, followed by wax. It's not as good as spraying but you cant see the repair unless you look real hard.Ted

 

[Jim Hague]

Use an airbrush.

Use an airbrush (cheap one) for small jobs. Remember, if you use epoxy for your repair you can't use polyester (gelcoat) for finish coat.I always make repairs using polyester and finish with gelcoat. That way the vessel remains one big molecule 'so to speak'.The secondary bond between the original material and the repair material can be increased somewhat by wiping down the repair area with styrene immediately before doing the repair. I usually skip this step for nonstructrual repairs.The secondary bond of a properly done polyester repair is a lot stronger than most people think.[eom]

 

[stuart]

Preval brand spray guns

Preval makes a great little single use spray set up you can find them at any marine store!!happy spraying!!!!