I'm a housewife in California. Never owned a boat, never been into body work or auto repair. Yet I enjoy watching these videos so much! No idea why but its fascinating to me!
I'm a pro auto painter 43yrs. I can clearly see the repair because the way you taped a Sharpe square on the surface you painted. Also you applied the gelcoat to the edge's of the repair causing a edge and a color match that is what I see. Don't ever box tape a spray repair and spray to the edges. Just spray area till it's covered then reduce the gelcoat some more and blend out around the repair. You won't see a box edge or color match problem. Just my 2 cents.
Thanks for watching, Joshua! Glad you found it helpful. Do check out our other gelcoat repair videos for additional tips that you may find helpful depending on what kind of repair you need to do and the location.
Thanks for watching, Steve! Glad you found it helpful. If you haven't watched our other gelcoat repair videos, check them out. They each have slightly different techniques that you may find useful. ua-cam.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html
Thanks for the video. It makes it easy to understand. The 2091filters that you're using with your respirator are for particles and not chemicals. You'd have better protection with an organic vapor cartridge like a 6001. Stay safe!
Thanks for the great question, Robert. Yes, it's just a little block of scrap wood that the wet/dry paper is wrapped around. It helps ensure you don't get ridges in the gelcoat from uneven pressure. A sanding sponge that is suitable for wet or dry sanding might be ok if that's all you have available, but it depends on how stiff it is. You really want something that won't deform at all while using. Glad you found the video helpful!
Thanks for watching, Jordan! Glad you found it helpful. Do check out our other gelcoat repair videos--each one has a little bit different technique that you might find useful depending on location and type of repair.
Thanks for watching, Rockabuy! There are a lot of steps, but it's not hard to do yourself and get a good result. Be sure to watch out other gelcoat repair videos for more tips for different types of repairs and locations.
Hi Tyler. Thanks for the Q. Styrene is going to be your best option. It doesn't look like the big box stores carry it. You can find it on Amazon and at stores like West Marine: www.westmarine.com/buy/evercoat--styrene-resin-thinner-quart--13386750?recordNum=1 Some people use MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) in place of styrene, but it does come with some finish issues. You can easily find a lot of discussions in an online search. Safest bet: Contact the manufacturer of the gelcoat you are using and ask what they recommend. Hope this helps.
Thanks for watching and for your comments. The amount of hardener is based on what the gelcoat manufacturer recommends. Usually a few drops for the amount we were using here. Spectrum recommends between 1.8% and 2.8% hardener, using the one that comes with the gelcoat. Other manufacturers recommend less. As far as how much styrene: Again, it depends on the gelcoat manufacturer. Most don't give a specific amount--usually they say to add to your desired viscosity. One company said no more than 5% styrene. Others say up to 20%. If you're not sure, contact your gelcoat manufacturer to ask. Most have really good customer service departments and will offer you the best advice for their specific products. Sorry we can't give you a precise formula, but your point is taken.
Thanks for watching, William. It was really hard to see on camera, but the previous repair was uneven, splotchy, and didn't quite match the surrounding gelcoat. From afar, it looked OK, but close up it really bothered Mark as it wasn't his standard of repair.
You missed so many steps… How much styrene to gel coat. How can you tell if the tell when coat is thin enough. What grit sandpaper. From grit to what grit How many coats. How long between coats shesh
Your gel coat was off… so idk 🤷🏻♂️ why you even did that I see the square you taped off even if your color was on point… you gel coated right up to the tape line and created a hard edge which didn’t even blend at all, even after it was hand sanded.
Thanks for the feedback, Jesse. There are many ways to do this. The gelcoat is extremely thin, so there were no hard edges after sanding and polishing.
Thanks for the feedback, beez. The finishing is just as important as the actual repair. If you want more gelcoat repair techniques, check out our gelcoat playlist, though be aware those are going to contain plenty of polishing as well.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of material which is used once and thrown away. The disposable sprayer for one, and all that plastic. If possible in your circumstance, one can substitute several layers of newspaper or similar paper to avoid over-spray and not have to put so much plastic in the landfill, or wherever it might end up.
You bring up a great point, Russell. The sprayer and glass jar can be cleaned and reused--at least until the aerosol runs out. Newspaper is a good alternative, though you'll have to use a lot more tape, which isn't environmentally friendly (though there are a few types being made that use some post-consumer waste). And while the newspaper is biodegradable, it cannot be recycled if it gets gelcoat or other chemicals on it. I think this is something every boater needs to keep in mind though and make the best choices possible to have the least effects on the environment. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
I tried following your instructions. I got the exact Gelkote color from the boat manufacturer and watched your video 5 times to follow it exactly. The sprayer would never spray properly. I even reduced the Gelkote further 5 more times thinking it was too thick. That didn't work during any of the 6 attempts. I switched out 4 Prevail sprayers thinking they were bad. None of them worked. With the best spray I could get, I tried a spot on the boat. The color is completely way off. This is a complete disaster and will cost me a lot to have the marina fix it. And the Gelkote wasn't cheap! Not what I had hoped and I'm a die hard DIYer. This didn't work out at all... To others... Be warned..
Sorry to hear this didn't work out for you, Mike. As we're not on site, it's hard to troubleshoot the problem(s). Our video showed the process step by step as we were doing it, so I can guarantee we didn't leave anything out or make any video "magic." The only thing I can think of with the color issue is that your boat may have faded over time? Perhaps a call to the gelcoat manufacturer and preval sprayer customer service departments will help you figure out what went wrong.
Good point, but there are actually at least a few valid reasons for doing this: 1. You don't want to push contaminants into the repair that may keep the gelcoat from adhering. 2. Acetone removes any wax from the repair area, which will keep gelcoat from adhering properly (and may be left even after sanding). 3. If you sand on top of grit, you won't get a smooth finish. It's the same reason you want to clean your boat before compounding and polishing.
🤷🏻♀️ Meh. There are many roads to Rome, Just. We appreciate all feedback, provided it's done constructively and without malice. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment!
![Boat Gelcoat Repair On Vertical Surface [MATERIALS LIST👇] | BoatUS](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5EapSjzjAyQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm a housewife in California. Never owned a boat, never been into body work or auto repair. Yet I enjoy watching these videos so much! No idea why but its fascinating to me!
Hi MK! Welcome to our channel. Perhaps you need a boat in your life?! 😂 Keep enjoying watching. We're happy to have you!
I'm a pro auto painter 43yrs. I can clearly see the repair because the way you taped a Sharpe square on the surface you painted. Also you applied the gelcoat to the edge's of the repair causing a edge and a color match that is what I see. Don't ever box tape a spray repair and spray to the edges. Just spray area till it's covered then reduce the gelcoat some more and blend out around the repair. You won't see a box edge or color match problem. Just my 2 cents.
Thanks for the input, Frank.
Agree. That is too sharp an edge, needs to be blended in. is ok for a DIY for ones own boat but would not be acceptable in a shop.
Wow, perfect level of detail instructions. great pace... not too slow, not too fast. really great job, Thanks!
Thanks for watching, Joshua! Glad you found it helpful. Do check out our other gelcoat repair videos for additional tips that you may find helpful depending on what kind of repair you need to do and the location.
Bleeding brilliant mate and I'll use this technique on my boat....
Thanks for watching, Steve! Glad you found it helpful. If you haven't watched our other gelcoat repair videos, check them out. They each have slightly different techniques that you may find useful. ua-cam.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html
Thanks for the video. It makes it easy to understand. The 2091filters that you're using with your respirator are for particles and not chemicals. You'd have better protection with an organic vapor cartridge like a 6001. Stay safe!
Thanks, Donald. Appreciate the advice.
Just learned styrene was a thinner for gelcoat, wow ! Thanks !
Is that a wood block you are using ? What about foam ones ?
Thanks for the great question, Robert. Yes, it's just a little block of scrap wood that the wet/dry paper is wrapped around. It helps ensure you don't get ridges in the gelcoat from uneven pressure. A sanding sponge that is suitable for wet or dry sanding might be ok if that's all you have available, but it depends on how stiff it is. You really want something that won't deform at all while using. Glad you found the video helpful!
Great video! Absolutely chock-full of good information.
Thanks for watching, Jordan! Glad you found it helpful. Do check out our other gelcoat repair videos--each one has a little bit different technique that you might find useful depending on location and type of repair.
Smashing demo!
Thanks for watching, Diplomasta!
Excellent! Need to do a repair to my boat, now I know gel coat part.
Thanks for watching, Rockabuy! There are a lot of steps, but it's not hard to do yourself and get a good result. Be sure to watch out other gelcoat repair videos for more tips for different types of repairs and locations.
Is there any thinner you can get from local hardware store not finding any styrene?
Hi Tyler. Thanks for the Q. Styrene is going to be your best option. It doesn't look like the big box stores carry it. You can find it on Amazon and at stores like West Marine: www.westmarine.com/buy/evercoat--styrene-resin-thinner-quart--13386750?recordNum=1 Some people use MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) in place of styrene, but it does come with some finish issues. You can easily find a lot of discussions in an online search. Safest bet: Contact the manufacturer of the gelcoat you are using and ask what they recommend. Hope this helps.
Nice to know measurements of ingredients.
Thanks for watching, Andy. Are you asking for amounts?
Great video!
Thanks for watching, Haden!
Good video, though one of the most important part that I was hoping to see was left out - how much styrene and hardener to add to how much gelcoat.
Thanks for watching and for your comments. The amount of hardener is based on what the gelcoat manufacturer recommends. Usually a few drops for the amount we were using here. Spectrum recommends between 1.8% and 2.8% hardener, using the one that comes with the gelcoat. Other manufacturers recommend less. As far as how much styrene: Again, it depends on the gelcoat manufacturer. Most don't give a specific amount--usually they say to add to your desired viscosity. One company said no more than 5% styrene. Others say up to 20%. If you're not sure, contact your gelcoat manufacturer to ask. Most have really good customer service departments and will offer you the best advice for their specific products. Sorry we can't give you a precise formula, but your point is taken.
Helpful vid. Only prob: boat looked OK before you started!
Thanks for watching, William. It was really hard to see on camera, but the previous repair was uneven, splotchy, and didn't quite match the surrounding gelcoat. From afar, it looked OK, but close up it really bothered Mark as it wasn't his standard of repair.
@@boatus I could see the discoloration clearly on my computer monitor.
You missed so many steps…
How much styrene to gel coat. How can you tell if the tell when coat is thin enough.
What grit sandpaper. From grit to what grit
How many coats. How long between coats shesh
❤
Your gel coat was off… so idk 🤷🏻♂️ why you even did that I see the square you taped off even if your color was on point… you gel coated right up to the tape line and created a hard edge which didn’t even blend at all, even after it was hand sanded.
Thanks for the feedback, Jesse. There are many ways to do this. The gelcoat is extremely thin, so there were no hard edges after sanding and polishing.
This video was much more " how to polish a boat " 🍺
Thanks for the feedback, beez. The finishing is just as important as the actual repair. If you want more gelcoat repair techniques, check out our gelcoat playlist, though be aware those are going to contain plenty of polishing as well.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of material which is used once and thrown away. The disposable sprayer for one, and all that plastic. If possible in your circumstance, one can substitute several layers of newspaper or similar paper to avoid over-spray and not have to put so much plastic in the landfill, or wherever it might end up.
You bring up a great point, Russell. The sprayer and glass jar can be cleaned and reused--at least until the aerosol runs out. Newspaper is a good alternative, though you'll have to use a lot more tape, which isn't environmentally friendly (though there are a few types being made that use some post-consumer waste). And while the newspaper is biodegradable, it cannot be recycled if it gets gelcoat or other chemicals on it. I think this is something every boater needs to keep in mind though and make the best choices possible to have the least effects on the environment. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
I tried following your instructions. I got the exact Gelkote color from the boat manufacturer and watched your video 5 times to follow it exactly. The sprayer would never spray properly. I even reduced the Gelkote further 5 more times thinking it was too thick. That didn't work during any of the 6 attempts. I switched out 4 Prevail sprayers thinking they were bad. None of them worked. With the best spray I could get, I tried a spot on the boat. The color is completely way off. This is a complete disaster and will cost me a lot to have the marina fix it. And the Gelkote wasn't cheap! Not what I had hoped and I'm a die hard DIYer. This didn't work out at all... To others... Be warned..
Sorry to hear this didn't work out for you, Mike. As we're not on site, it's hard to troubleshoot the problem(s). Our video showed the process step by step as we were doing it, so I can guarantee we didn't leave anything out or make any video "magic." The only thing I can think of with the color issue is that your boat may have faded over time? Perhaps a call to the gelcoat manufacturer and preval sprayer customer service departments will help you figure out what went wrong.
He wipe down and cleaned with acetone just to sand it…stupid step
Good point, but there are actually at least a few valid reasons for doing this: 1. You don't want to push contaminants into the repair that may keep the gelcoat from adhering. 2. Acetone removes any wax from the repair area, which will keep gelcoat from adhering properly (and may be left even after sanding). 3. If you sand on top of grit, you won't get a smooth finish. It's the same reason you want to clean your boat before compounding and polishing.
So much complaining, hahahah internet warriors
🤷🏻♀️ Meh. There are many roads to Rome, Just. We appreciate all feedback, provided it's done constructively and without malice. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment!