Sanding gelcoat?

Advice
#1

I just want to remove the rough edges away from a light scratch on my hull. Should it be sanded, buffed, or both? With what? Thanks.

#2

not to hijack this thread
but in a similar vein, I got a chip in my boat–a chunk of fiberglass knocked right off of the boat. I assume I surround the area with masking tape then fill it to flush with new gel coat. But where do I go from there? Do you sand it down with the masking tape still on? What grit sand paper should I use? Any ideas on mixing pigments to match mango (where to get them, etc.)? Many thanks in advance!

#3

More info/ Pic

– Last Updated: Jul-15-08 3:28 PM EST –

Tough to say where to start without seeing the scratch.

For legitimacy's sake, I have repaired several hundred gel scratches, chips and worse disasters for Cold Run Canoe, bell Canoe and Placid boatworks.

We usually shape w/ 120 grit dry, then switch to 320, 600, 1000, 1200, 1500 and 2000 grit, all wet. Move up a grit level when all previous scratches are removed. Then we buff 3X with a machine and buffing compound. Good as new!

Your manufacturer should be able to supply w small amount of gel; you can purchase MEKP, the catalyst. in small amounts at most hardware stores.

MiniCraft of Florida has custom mix kits if the mfg can't help.

#4

I don’t need to fill it
It’s not that deep. I just want to smooth the rough edges.

#5

320-
Then start with 320 wet; stop going up the scale when you’re happy.

#6

Passing along what I was told
I have not worked with gel coat but someone who has told me it’s similar to working with “dookie schmutz” (epoxy-wood flour mix), which I have done. You want to slightly overfill the hole so that you can sand it flush and smooth. The mixture should be thick enough to stay put when slightly overfilled.

#7

dookie schmutz?

– Last Updated: Jul-15-08 9:42 PM EST –

Eeeuuw!

#8

Do realize
that depending on the boat and location of the scratch, the gel-coat might be less that 20 thousandths of an inch thick.

If you sand through the gel then you will have more complex repairs to do.

#9

Here’s how to do it
Go to:



http://community.webshots.com/user/brian_nystrom-reg



and check out my gelcoat and fiberglass repair albums.