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As a boat owner, you have probably heard of "gel coat". Indeed, it is a term known to all and stems from the English gel coat which translation in French gives "couche de gel".
Let's take a look at what gelcoat is. To give a definition, the gelcoat is a layer of gel that is applied to the visible surface of the hull of your boat, often made of fiberglass, the same fiber that makes up the majority of boats. After drying, this gel coat will harden and form a kind of waterproof resin. The cases involving the use of this product are various such as the appearance of scratches, chips or cracks on the surface of the hull due to a failed maneuver or a navigation too close to rocks for example.
During this article, we will focus mainly on boat gelcoat repair, an indispensable process in the maintenance of your boat's surface.
Thus, we will see at first, what is the necessary material for a gelcoat repair on a boat. Then, what are the different types of gelcoat repair on a boat, and finally, why gelcoat repair on a boat is essential.
What equipment is needed for a gelcoat repair on a boat ?
The repair of gelcoat is an operation to be followed step by step with precaution and precision. To do so, it is very important to be well equipped with the right material to avoid damaging the surface. Do not neglect the recommended protective equipment such as latex gloves, a mask and glasses.
Finally, don't forget to be careful with the product you plan to use : given its harmfulness, it can be dangerous for your health but also for the marine environment, which will be polluted. It is important to protect yourself and preserve the oceans!
Here is a non-exhaustive list of the equipment needed :
The tools :
- A spatula;
- A flat brush;
- A paint roller;
- A sander and polisher;
- Sanding paper with grains from 180 to 600;
The products :
- White Gelcoat;
- Dye paste (in the case of a non-white boat);
- Putty (in case of deep impacts);
- Polishing paste;
- Shine cream;
- Acetone;
What are the different types of gelcoat repairs on a boat ?
Now that you've learned about the necessary equipment, you're probably wondering how to maintain and revive a boat's gelcoat. Boat surface gelcoat repair comes in two forms: simple gelcoat repair or major gelcoat repair. Often, boaters do the simple gelcoat repair themselves since it involves dealing with small cracks or scratches on the hull surface or superstructure of the vessel.
In the case of major gelcoat repairs, the operations are more delicate and it is highly recommended to call a professional.
Par exemple, imaginez le cas d’un bateau qui n’est pas blanc mais rouge. Seules deux options s’offriront à vous :
- Use a gelcoat product with a pigment that is as close as possible to the original red color. Be careful, the observation is only made when the gel coat has hardened into resin after the drying stage.
- Use a red colorant or pigment to mix it and get the desired result. Again, you will only be able to judge the result when the gel layer has hardened into resin, after the drying stage.
Finding the right pigment and then mixing it to match the color of the surface of the hull or superstructure of a boat (not white) is a very complicated operation. Only a professional will be able to get close to the original color with his expertise using the right product and the right pigment.
How do I do a classic gelcoat repair on my boat ?
- Delineate the damaged area that needs sanding, using the tape;
- Sand the damaged area with water and sandpaper;
- Apply acetone to degrease and clean the surface;
- Proceed to apply the white gel coat to the area, using the spatula;
- Let dry according to the instructions in the product's user guide;
- Sand again;
- During the sanding process, increase the grit size of the sanding paper step by step to 600;
- Using the polisher, refine it using the polishing paste and the polishing cream;
Be very careful to store and apply the gelcoat in a room temperature environment, so that air bubbles do not form during the drying stage - the point at which the gel hardens into a resin.
Comment faire une réparation importante au gelcoat sur mon bateau ?
In this particular case, it is highly recommended to call in a professional. Don't worry! Boatngo doesn't intend to leave you without help. Our team has built a network of local laminating professionals who offer availability, expertise and fair pricing. Tell us your needs and receive your personalized quote within 48 hours by clicking here
For which reasons is gelcoat repair of a boat essential ?
Gelcoat repair is essential for any boat owner when the boat has several scratches, impacts... on its hull surface or superstructure. It is the only way to repair the damage. Which boater would leave his boat without maintenance, with scratches, large holes and various impacts on the surface ? None, we agree!
It is because gelcoat repair is THE only solution to give your boat a beautiful finish that it is essential. In short, the gelcoat MAKES your boat, it contributes to its aesthetic aspect by its brightness in the sunlight as well as to its technical functions bringing resistance and waterproofing. It is therefore essential to know what it consists of for the proper maintenance of your vessel. Moreover, a boat is often made of fiberglass, and this same fiber is present in the composition of the gelcoat product.
What you need to remember !
Whatever they are, gel coat repairs are essential for your boat, whether it is for its good maintenance with a better waterproofing and resistance to bad weather or for its aesthetics with a beautiful appearance thanks to the finition of your boat.
Keep in mind, however, the idea that the gelcoat will deteriorate over time. Indeed, the gelcoat will begin to lose its color under the effect of ultraviolet rays that attack the pigment making up the color. The color will therefore fade. In the case of a white boat, the gelcoat resin layer will tend to yellow.
Finally, you should know that if you take care to maintain your boat regularly, the work to be done on it will be less. For example, if the gelcoat's color is fading, you can simply sand and polish it to restore its appearance.
