Hello All
I have a dumb question, I have a We-No Nah Prism in the Kevlar ultra light layup with just a “skin coat”,it blew off my storage rack and put a couple of “dents” in the hull, not through the skin coat though. I just put some nasty scratches in the hull , one of which looks like it is through the skin coat. I know it’s probably just “cosmetic” , but, well, I am a bit OCD, I know even if I sand the hull (using extreme care as to not go through the skin coat) the scratches will remain, is it possible to apply a colored gel coat to the bottom of the hull, or, paint the bottom of the hull ? it really sucks being OCD ,lol
emill
Current Designs/Wenonah for advice…or access that website.
If the scratches appear deep to the layup then the scratch needs an epoxy prob Gflex from West Marine or Amazon. Half deep scratches cover with gelcoat from West. There’s a small tube. Goes on with a water jug cut applicator. Swipe onto prepared surface…search on the prep. Gflex and others are negative on selected prep cleaners.
Painting over that on hull bottom has a long discussion of prose n cons. Painting is heavier, needs repainting and for BOW reveals more scratches.
If the gel is applied quickly with authority even tho you’re without experience then sanding is unnecessary and avoided completely.
Not so fast.
There have been a number of discussions about composite and gel coat repairs on this forum. The good news is that composites and their finish coats are very repairable. However, to do the job right, it does take some reading and/or video watching. The process might seem daunting and tedious, but the doing is easier than you might at first think.
Here is a good place to start: http://www.nckayaks.com/articles.php
There is one power tool that I believe is essential in making the final finish of the job and that is a power buffer. I have several and I think the one I like best is the Chicago Electric 6" from Harbor Freight.
You should be able to find a bunch of videos on YouTube. Check out a few of them, because there are some that are better than others.
Kevlar
Most Kevlar canoes are clear gelcoated to show off the cloth. You REALLY don’t want to sand into the Kevlar, it turns into a fuzzy mess that only gets worse with more sanding, the fabric is stronger than the abrasives you’re sanding with. It could be covered with epoxy then automotive clear coat but it’s a job best left for the pro’s. Epoxy alone will degrade in sunlight, so needs protected and auto clear has to be sprayed and is very toxic.
Bill H.
golden hull ?
– Last Updated: Jul-25-16 9:09 AM EST –
well, you bought it so best get on with reading the material.
CBoat.net
Composites.net forums (?)
http://www.kayakforum.com/cgi-bin/Building/index.cgi
Gflex with correct cleaning and a plastic or epoxy clear coat spray...with mask upwind ! ....take a deep breath spray move away....long sleeve shirt/cap...
https://www.google.com/#q=krylon+EPOXY+clear+coat
or 'plastic+clear.....
I don't know which .....that's the manufacturer's area.
Its not difficult. Compulsive behavior on bottom wear is free style
Lucky the hull didnah walk off......