small dings on gelcoat

Grady White Guy

Active Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2013
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Points
1
What is the best product to use for small dings and scratches on the gelcoat that will match the grady white gelcoat color?
Has anyone used the 'spectrum gel coat patch paste repair? Does it match the GW color?
 

seasick

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
Messages
9,073
Reaction score
1,293
Points
113
Location
NYC
Grady White Guy said:
What is the best product to use for small dings and scratches on the gelcoat that will match the grady white gelcoat color?
Has anyone used the 'spectrum gel coat patch paste repair? Does it match the GW color?

The Spectrum matches pretty well if your hull is not too old. The older the hull and the more sun it was exposed to, the more the color has changed from the original.
There are those who mix their own using a white gell coat base and a small tad of brown coloring but that is beyond my skills. I don't see colors very well!
 

Fishtales

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2005
Messages
7,496
Reaction score
1,161
Points
113
Hi,
Your dealer will sell touch up kits. Very easy to work with and they can provide installation instructions.
 

grady23

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Messages
488
Reaction score
12
Points
18
Location
Maryland
I have done several "Dock Rash" repairs on my boat using the kit from Grady-White. As mentioned, you will likely NOT get a perfect color match due to sun bleaching. I use alcohol to clean the area around the ding. Lightly sand any rough areas with 800-100 Grit sandpaper and clean again with alcohol.Do ALL the prep before you prepare the gelcoat repair. Mix the gelcoat as directions specify. If you have more than 2 dings, you will need to work fast. The mix will began to setup within 5 minutes and will be un-workable within 8-10. I use masking tape around the repair to limit the amount of sanding do be done. Use a body filler spreader to spread the mix and get it as smooth as possible. Give the repair adequate time to cure and if you can allow it to setup over-night. I sand starting with1000 Grit then go to 1500 and finish with 1800-2000. ALL SANDING done with WET/DRY sandpaper that is kept wet. once you ge the desired finish, Wax, buff and repeat with 2nd wax coating.
IF you can see layers of fiberglass, you can cover up to one layer of glass. Beyond that, you might need professional help. If so, find someone working on Corvettes that does body work or someone that knows thier stuff doing boat repairs.