DIY gel coat repair?

[Frank C]

Did a search on the forums but didn’t find anything.   Anyone have a recommendation for a DIY gel coat repair kit for fixing some minor gel coat scratches?   A few encounters with campground tree branches have left some minor scratches.  Not huge gouges, just a little too deep to buff out.    A few kits available on Amazon.  Just looking for recommendations on a good kit that works and has a good white color match with the Ollie. 

Edited March 8, 2021 by FrankC

[SeaDawg]

If they're minor, try buffing and polishing first. 

[Frank C]

20 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

If they're minor, try buffing and polishing first. 

Already tried the polishing/buffing route.  Just a little too deep for that. 

[topgun2]

14 hours ago, FrankC said:

Already tried the polishing/buffing route.  Just a little too deep for that. 

You might want to try giving the guys in Service a call.  They have the materials (and knowhow) for these kinds of repair.  Perhaps they can steer you in the right direction with the proper "color" of gelcoat repair material.

Bill

[connor77]

I've had good luck with products from Spectrum for fiberglass ding and chip repair work.  Would still suggest a call to service first as Bill mentioned.  

https://spectrumcolor-com.3dcartstores.com/

[SeaDawg]

I'd second Bill's suggestion to call service. Gel coat color match is tough. 

We've had Oliver repair a few spots in ours, and I  can't tell you where they are, now.

[Ghostriderc227]

Make 100% certain your repair material is a good color match.  There are pigment kits for polyester resin, but use care, you can easily end up with a muddy grey.  Be certain to check your color match after drying is complete before moving on to the actual repair.

In the past I have repaired gel coat to an acceptable level by spreading a small amount of resin directly into the damaged area, then lay a piece of Saran Wrap over the material and carefully spread out to fill the area and blend into the adjacent area.  After the material sets up you can peel away the plastic wrap.  Your repair will most likely be very shiny and smooth.  If you feel you want better leveling and blending, then take some 600 grit wet sandpaper on a block or wrap around a nice flat paint paddle, and wet sand the area smooth and level.

The repair does not have to completely harden or cure before you remove the Saran Wrap.  In fact it works better is the repair material is at about half cure...the Saran wraps peels away easier.  Try it out on a sample part to get the hang of it.

From that point you can use rubbing compound to polish out the 600 grit sand scratches.  With some experience you can get acceptable results with just the clear Saran Wrap.  Try to use the thickest grade of Saran Wrap you can find...it makes the smoothing process go much better.

 

Steve

[Ghostriderc227]

In addition, you might call Oliver and have them send you a pint of their resin, that way you will start off with a good match.  You can use any polyester resin hardener once you get the resin.

Steve

[SeaDawg]

I was at fiberglass coatings in St. Petersburg today. They do custom gelcoat match, minimum one quart.

They would need the RAL (color) number from Oliver to custom match.

Edited April 13, 2021 by SeaDawg

[topgun2]

Be a bit careful when talking to Oliver Service regarding "gelcoat match".  Over the years Oliver has used slightly different "colors" of white from at least two different manufacturers.  Be absolutely sure that you have and verify your hull number in order to make sure that you are getting what you ask for.

Bill

[SeaDawg]

Yes. You need to know the RAL number for your trailer. I know the white on our 2008 is different than newer trailers, as Oliver had to order it for us especially when we had some repairs done.

Just for future reference,  it might be something to ask now, and add it to your documentation for future reference. 

Years down the road, the white may change slightly,  too, from uv. So, even then, custom may just be "very close." I will say, I can't find the repaired spots in ours, and they were done 9 or 10 years down the road.