Gelcoat Fiberglass

Gelcoat protects fiberglass and maintains a shiny surface. Gelcoat is often used to protect the hull of a boat. With wear and tear, the gelcoat on fiberglass needs to be replaced. You can buy gelcoat from a boat manufacturer or marine supply store. Use these tips to apply gelcoat to a fiberglass surface.

Steps

1. Remove old layers of gelcoat.
   • Spread polishing compound or oxidation remover onto the fiberglass. Use a sponge or abrasive pad to spread the polishing compound or oxidation remover.
   • Wash the fiberglass with water.
   • Allow the fiberglass to dry.
2. Clean the fiberglass. Eliminate paint flecks or primer from the surface of the fiberglass. Use a paint scraper to remove paint or primer from the fiberglass.
3. Apply a polyester or better, vinyl ester primer/filler coat.
   • Use a foam roller to cover the fiberglass surface in 2 to 3 layers of resin. Each layer should be very fine.
   • Spread each new layer of resin over a wider area of the fiberglass than you did with the previous layer.
   • Place a heat lamp near the treated area.
   • Allow the area to dry.
4. Wash the fiberglass.
   • Go over the surface of the fiberglass with an abrasive pad and water.
   • Allow the fiberglass to dry.
5. Sand the fiberglass. Use sandpaper to smooth over the surface of the fiberglass.
6. Color the gelcoat. Mix the desired gelcoat pigment with the gelcoat to match the original gelcoat tint. Follow the instructions for your particular brand of pigment and gelcoat.
7. Fill the spray gun.
   • Strain the tinted gelcoat through a paper strainer.
   • Add 15 drops of hardener (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide or MEKP) to each ounce of Gelcoat.
   • Pour the gelcoat into the spray gun.
8. Apply the gelcoat.
   • Use the filled spray gun to apply a fine layer of gelcoat to the desired area of the fiberglass.
   • Wait a few minutes to allow the coat to set.
   • Repeat spraying and waiting, applying a total of at least 5 layers of gelcoat to the fiberglass.
   • Spray a wider surface with each new layer of gelcoat.
   • Apply enough layers of gelcoat so that you are unable to differentiate between the treated and untreated areas of the fiberglass.
9. Let the gelcoat rest. Allow the gelcoat and fiberglass to sit for 48 hours or more.
10. Sand the gelcoat. Use sandpaper to go over the treated fiberglass.
11. Buff the fiberglass.
    • Use a sponge or abrasive pad to buff the fiberglass with medium-cut, white rubbing compound.
    • Apply fine rubbing compound over the buffed fiberglass with a sponge or abrasive pad.
12. Wax the fiberglass.
    • Apply the wax to the treated fiberglass with a foam pad or cloth. Rub the wax into the area in a circular motion.
    • Allow the wax to dry.
    • Rub a soft cloth over the waxed area to make it shine.

Tips

• Wear safety goggles and protective clothing, including gloves, when handling gelcoat.

Things You'll Need

• Fiberglass surface
• Sponge or abrasive pad
• Polishing compound or oxidation remover
• Water
• Paint scraper
• Epoxy
• Sandpaper
• Gelcoat
• Gelcoat pigment
• Paper strainer
• Spray gun
• Medium-cut rubbing compound
• Fine rubbing compound
• Fiberglass wax
• Soft cloth
• MEKP (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide) - key ingredient in Gelcoat

Related Articles

• Clean Fiberglass
• Sand Fiberglass
• Make a Fiberglass Molding
• Strip Paint off of Fiberglass

Sources and Citations

• http://www.marinestore.com/faq-fiberglass.html?cart=33862405802045#waxes
• http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/01.htm

See also

• Drill Holes Through Glass
• Cut Plexiglass
• Glue Glass
• Make Glass
• Fiberglass
• Etch Glass with Etching Cream
• Blow Glass
• Melt Glass Bottles
• Drill Plexiglass
• Sand Fiberglass

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What links here

• Make a Fiberglass Molding
• Sand Fiberglass
• Remove Paint From Auto Fiberglass