How To Fix Deep Gelcoat Gouges on Boats
Gelcoat gouges such as the type shown below can be repaired, but not without some careful material selection and preparation so that you end up with a nice smooth finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Damaged Area
Start by cleaning the gouge and its width thoroughly with soap and water. Clean with acetone to remove residue after it has dried. Lightly sand with 320-grit paper around the gouge so as not to remove too much material. This provides a surface that the repair materials can adhere to.
Clean Out and Shape the Gouge
Take a Dremel tool (ad)(ad) with a grinder bit and clean the gouge out, put it in ato make an arrow channel. This provides greater available surface area for thefiller material to bond sourceMapping. Use the 180-grit sandpaper to feather the edges and allow for a more blended repair.
Apply Filler Material
Combine the gelcoat putty as per manufacturers instructions. Using a plastic spreader, fill the gouge with an amount of putty slightly higher than needed. Layer wax paper over the top and let sit overnight.
Sand and Polish
Sand, starting with 400 grit (go to sanding) and work up through progressively finer grits of paper(600/1000/1500). Wrap up by hand buffing, then a marine wax protection.
Deep gelcoat gouges can be repaired with time and attention to detail, but that same thoroughness as well as elbow grease will restore your boat’s appearance.
