Tag Archives: gelcoat repair putty

How to Repair a Fiberglass Boat: A Step by Step Guide

If you’re a boat enthusiast, you know that there’s nothing quite like the feeling of cruising out on the open water. But what do you do when your beloved vessel starts to show signs of wear and tear? If you have a fiberglass boat, you’re in luck. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about repairing your fiberglass boat, from small cracks to large holes. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, read on for our step-by-step guide on how to repair a fiberglass boat.

KEY TAKEWAYS

  1. Clean the Area
    The first step in boat fiberglass repair is to clean the area that needs to be repaired. This step is important because it will allow the repair materials to bond properly with the existing fiberglass. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the area, and then dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth.
  2. Cut Out the Damaged Area
    Once the area is clean, use a sharp knife or razor blade to cut out the damaged area. Be sure to cut away any loose or damaged fiberglass so that you have a clean, smooth surface to work with.
  3. Apply the Repair Material
    There are a variety of repair materials that can be used for boat fiberglass repair. The type of material you use will depend on the size and severity of the damage. For small repairs, you can use a fiberglass repair kit; for larger repairs, you may need to use a sheet of fiberglass cloth and some resin. Follow the instructions that come with your chosen repair material to apply it to the damaged area.

Repairing Small Cracks and Scratches

One of the most common problems that boat owners face is small cracks and scratches in the hull. While these may not seem like a big deal at first, they can quickly turn into larger problems if left unaddressed. The good news is that small cracks and scratches are relatively easy to fix with some basic supplies.

Polyester Resin is a great choice for fiberglass repairs

Here’s what you’ll need:

-Fiberglass cloth
-Resin
-Hardener
-Sandpaper
-Putty knife or spreader
-Measuring cup
-Gloves
-Eye protection

Once you have all of your supplies, follow these steps to repair small cracks and scratches in your fiberglass boat:

  1. Clean the area around the crack or scratch with sandpaper to rough up the surface and allow the resin to adhere better.
  2. Cut a piece of fiberglass cloth to size and lay it over the crack or scratch.
  3. Mix together the resin and hardener in a measuring cup, according to the application guidelines.
  4. Use a putty knife or spreader to apply the resin mixture over the fiberglass cloth, making sure to work it into any crevices.
  5. Allow the resin to cure for 24 hours before sanding down any excess material.
  6. Your fiberglass boat is as good as new!

Fixing Large Holes in Fiberglass Boats

While small cracks and scratches are relatively easy to fix, large holes can be much more challenging—but not impossible! With some patience and elbow grease, you can patch up even the biggest holes in your fiberglass boat hull. Here’s what you’ll need:

-Fiberglass cloth
-Resin mixture (resin and hardener)
-Putty knife or spreader -Sandpaper -Measuring cup -Gloves -Eye protection -Plywood (optional)

Follow these steps to repair large holes in your fiberglass boat hull:

  1. If necessary, use plywood to create a temporary patch for the hole until the resin has cured. This will help keep water out of the hole while you’re working on it.
  2. Cut a piece of fiberglass cloth to size and lay it over the hole.
  3. Use a putty knife or spreader to apply the resin mixture over the fiberglass cloth, making sure to work it into any crevices.
  4. Allow the resin to cure for 24 hours before sanding down any excess material and removing any plywood patches.
  5. Your fiberglass boat is as good as new!

Conclusion:

No matter how experienced you are as a boat owner, sooner or later you’re going to need to make some repairs—and if you have a fiberglass boat, that means getting familiar with some basic repair techniques. In this blog post, we’ve walked you through everything you need to know about repairing small cracks and scratches, as well as large holes in your hull. So, whether you’re dealing with cosmetic damage or something more serious, now you know how to fix it!

If you have any questions about how to repair your fiberglass boat, please feel free to reach out to the Bottom Paint Store technical assistance team by phone at 888-505-2313, or via Live Chat found on the website. We have a wide selection of fiberglass and gelcoat putties, resins, restoration solutions, repair kits, and tools/materials.

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Gelcoat Putty – Repair Spider Cracks And Fill Gouges!

Gelcoat putty is an indispensable part of any boat owner’s toolkit, providing a simple way to make quick and reliable repairs on any gelcoat surface. Perfect for fixing anything from spider cracks to fill in gouges and scratches, and is an easy-to-use solution that leaves a smooth finish and every application has the potential to restore gelcoat surfaces and make them look like new again. This dependable material is simple enough even novice motorboat and sailboat owners can use it without having to take their vessels out of the water for professional repair. Gelcoat putty can help anyone keep their boats looking shipshape with minimal effort.

There are many ways to repair spider cracks in boats, using our Gelcoat Repair Putty is an easy and fast way of doing it!

First, you will need to determine your spider cracks are only that, spider cracks. To do so, you will need to inspect the area for any sign of broken support. If the surface is steady and looks solid, then you have spider cracks.

In order to properly fix any spider cracks, you will have to open the cracks to fill them up correctly. This can be done by using a Dremel. Once the crack is open and it has a good size you can sand and clean the area. For cleaning, you may use acetone or soap and water.

Now, you are ready to use the Gelcoat Putty. Mix in a 1-1/2% ratio of MEK-P Catalyst into the putty and mix it properly. Use a putty knife to fill in the spider cracks. Once dry, sand the surface to a smooth finish.

For filling gauges and cracks, some tips:

This product uses MEKP, just like gelcoat so your working time is 8-18 minutes, depending on temperature. If catalyzed at 1% and it is in perfect conditions (77 F) you have a longer work time. To extend work time cool product down before use.

If filling holes, fill a little high to allow for shrinkage. Once it dries you can easily smooth it out with sandpaper. Recommended thickness at 1/4″.

Tip: You can apply gelcoat to match the color of your boat over the repair, or you can use our pigments to tint the gelcoat putty and complete the repair all at once!

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