How to Fix Scratches in Gelcoat?

[greg82255]

Hello,

I have a 1986 Formula 206 Spider that has red and black gelcoat on it. I left it at the dock for a few days and my boat ended up scraping against a 2x4 that was attached to the dock (stupid me for not securing a bumper to it..). Anyways, now I have some scratches in the gelcoat and I'm wondering what the best way to repair them is. They aren't really deep so could I just take a buffer to them, or do I need a gelocat repair kit? I don't know much about gelcoat so any help is appreciated. Here are some pics of the scratches:

 

[greg82255]

Re: How to Fix Scratches in Gelcoat?

anyone?

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: How to Fix Scratches in Gelcoat?

Read this thread, it may be what you are looking for.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=491522

 

[BWT]

Re: How to Fix Scratches in Gelcoat?

Can't tell much from the pics; not able to open them up for a close view. If they are very shallow (less than a /64th deep) you can probably wetsand them out then go over with a buffer and compound. Try a small spot and start with 600 grit with a sanding block (don't do it free-hand)until most of it has been sanded out, then go through the numbers up to 1200 grit and buff. Make sure to use a compound with some grit; one of my fav's is made by Meguiar's (oxidation remover) and a wool bonnet. If you can't feel ANY kind of depression on the scratch they can most likely be buffed out. BUT, if you can feel anything, get ready to sand. If the scratch is easily noticeable when feeling it, then it's going to need to be filled. Good luck.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: How to Fix Scratches in Gelcoat?

Like BWT said, it's a little difficult to tell from those pics, but another thing you'll need to know is if the hull has faded over time when you sand and buff the scratches you will also remove the faded surface in that area, possibly making it look much different (better) than the rest of the hull. This means you may end up sanding and buffing all of the red gel coat on the boat to make it match, not necessarily a bad thing, just something you should know.