rcummins asked this question on 5/24/2000:
Is there any print or web information available on fiberglass and gelcoat repair techniques?
realcourchesne gave this response on 5/25/2000:
Yes there is information available, I ton't have any in my bookmarks simply make a search and you should find some. I have started (under construction) a web site at: http://www.geocities.com/real_courchesne/ which talk about gelcoat repair techniques. Feel free to take a look! Real Courchesne
rcummins asked this follow-up question on
5/25/2000: Sir -
I received your response to my question in AskMe. I think I must not be looking in the right places, because I am not finding much information about repair techniques. I am sure that this sort of material must be available, but I just can't seem to locate it.
I like your website, because it is talks about the things I am interested in learning. I like the knife technique for small cracks. What do you do for wider scrapes about 1/4 inch wide? I note that you don't mention the problem with the surface of new gelcoat not hardening in air. Do you just ignore this problem on small scratches?
How do you deal with color matching? How do you get colors like yellow to hide the dark mat layers when the scratch has gone completely through the gelcoat? How much pigment can you put in neutral gelcoat before the chemistry doesn't work?
What do you do when gravity is working against you on the underside of something you can't turn over? How do you get the liquid to stay in place? Is it possible to make a paste without adversely affecting adhesion?
Thanks for your help, R. Cummins
P.S. Is the email address on your website current?
realcourchesne gave this response on 5/25/2000:
I have moved my page to: http://www1.askme.com/ViewAnswer.asp?ac=ans&VID=1146738#ta and have corrected my E-Mail address.
Here is my answer to your questions: I'm sorry but I don't understand your question on surface of new gelcoat not hardening in air.
Color matching can be a complex procedure for the majority of us. I usually make samples and let them get hard. Then I sand and polish them. To view the matching the samples must have the same surface finish that the boat has.
You said: ‘How do you get colors like yellow to hide the dark mat layers when the scratch has gone completely through the gelcoat?' Answer: Gelcoat will hide dark mat layers regardless of the color.
You said: -‘When gravity is working against you' - I don't know if you are asking about mat and rezine or gelcoat. Applying gelcoat will not be affected by gravity unless you apply more then 1/16''. Gravity will affect the application of fiberglass soaked with rezine. I suggest that you use only one layer of thin mat (1 ½ oz) at a time, let it get hard and do another one. If you are using a good rezine it should stay in place.
realcourchesne gave this follow-up answer on 5/25/2000:
I'm sorry, I give you a wrong address. My page URL is: http://www.angelfire.com/ca5/real/Fibergl.htm