GELCOAT and FIBERGLASS HOW-TO- Repair EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW to fix gel coat damage on a boat

[@ko.ko33]

Ty for explaing in laden terms and without the annoying heavy metal tunes ✌

[@FishBumpTV]

You are very welcome! I appreciate your thoughts

[@brianchichi]

Thank you, you have given me what I need to fix my hull damage now... Great video and very informative.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to help, Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@sre2007]

I had a similar repair to do and your razor blade trick was a great help. My spot was dead flat so the scraping with the razor kept the final finish flat before fine sanding and polish.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to hear that the video was helpful! I plan on doing more gel coat and fiberglass repair videos soon. If you have any suggestions or feedback as far as content you would like to see, I would appreciate it. Thanks for watching, and commenting!

[@permitfisher]

My son and I bought a boat…which turned into a lawn ornament real quick (because I didn’t know what to look for when buying a used boat🙄) That being said, your videos have become soo helpful for us! Thank you!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad the videos are helpful! I wish you the best of luck with your next project boat, and thanks for watching!

[@permitfisher]

@@FishBumpTV next project boat? Sheesh, we gonna be werkin on this one for a few months I bet. And I won’t buy a lawn ornament again in the future, I promise you that.😂

[@michaellauer3397]

@@permitfisherenjoy the father/son time. Learning something together should be a great bonding opportunity.

[@andrewgolden4843]

Can I use the silica to thicken gelcoat with wax I bought gelcoat with wax added and need to thicken it

[@andrewgolden4843]

​@@FishBumpTVI purchased gelcoat with wax added can I use the silica to thicken it

[@pdrews1000]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I am going to attempt a small repair, wish me luck.

[@DirtySouth33T]

thanks for making this video man and all your videos. I had a very similar repair been following for a while now i followed your directions and even scooped stuff from your amazon store list. came out perfect. I bought unwaxed and then added the wax to it with the silica. hell i went around and repaired other nicks and dings as well. great stuff brotther! thanks again man!

[@FishBumpTV]

Man, that's awesome! Glad the video was helpful, and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@BamaSaltwater]

Saved this video! I have a nice little *(1" x 20")* gelcoat rash from docking at my house mid trip. Maybe we can get the ole Bama Saltwater 24ft Express over there and get a nice vid!

[@FishBumpTV]

Great, Glad you found it interesting. I will be at the shop today, working on my new boat. If you want to call, or stop by to talk about the repair I will be available. Thanks

[@bakervinci163]

Anyway I could get your number ? I promise I won’t keep you more than 4 min

[@thump8897]

Thanks for the details here - I've been planning my first hull repair this spring and your video is a great lesson for me.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck with your project.

[@longnguyen6999]

Thank you for sharing the video.

[@FishBumpTV]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@markrowe2227]

Thanks for the informative video. Definitely expert results. Your attention to detail is unmatched. Counting the days before our next adventure! See you soon Captain Joe.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thought you guys might like seeing different methods for Gelcoat repair. In part 2 of this video, I will show how to wet sand, polish, and wax the repaired area. That video will be coming soon. As always, I really appreciate your support of the Channel! Can't wait to see you guys!

[@fiberopticsguy]

Learned something new, thickening the gelcoat. Really enjoying your repair videos, thank you!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful, Thanks for watching!

[@calebwozniak4390]

Thanks for the video. I have a fairly deep scratch down to the raw fiberglass below the waterline in the bottom of my boat hull. Is this the right process for repair or is there a different type of filler I need to use? Want to make sure it’s structurally sound.

[@FishBumpTV]

Without actually seeing the damage it is hard to say if what you have is just cosmetic damage or if there is structural damage. There will be damaged and fractured glass if there is structural damage. That damaged fiberglass would need to be repaired with new fiberglass before you did the gelcoat repair. I will try to get a fiberglass structural repair video out for you guys soon. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@calebwozniak4390]

@@FishBumpTV thanks for the reply! Also, thank Lew Childre for sharing your content( I used to work with him). I now know way more than I thought I ever would about how to build a boat. Great stuff!

[@makingcookingfixing]

Thanks a lot for your videos! Really helpful do see a pro doing this!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful, appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@thanasisthanos2505]

Hey thanks for the video. I want to ask you if you add also catalyst at the top coat ? Thanks

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, gelcoat in any form and at all times will require 1 to 2 percent mekp catalyst. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@bakervinci163]

Oh you answered my question. We don’t have a west marine in Baton Rouge

[@FishBumpTV]

I know you can find it online. Any fiberglass supply and repair shop should have it. Good Luck

[@Kten13]

Just discovered your channel. Great content. Thank you! Do you have any tips for powder coat touch ups?

[@FishBumpTV]

That's great, welcome to the channel! Sorry, I don't have anything on powder coat touch up.

[@Welcome_to_my_Garage1]

Hi Cap’t Joe, I am just getting into fiberglassing and was wondering if there is ever an instance where you would just want to apply the resin and hardener to the wood to get that varnished look? Thank you. See you next video…

[@thiodorchalkias8906]

Nice technic thanks for sharing!!!! I wonder if use a uv light over night the results of this technique.... Have good time every time!!!! Best regards from Hellas (Greece)

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for the tip! Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@howardcushman5288]

Video’s are very helpful thank you. I am repairing a keel similar to yours though mine is around 10 inches, and am curious if thickened gel coat or formula 27 filler then gel coat is best?

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to help! Honestly either one could work. I don't personally like applying gelcoat much over 1/8 thick on repairs. 3m also makes a very good vinyl Ester structural repair filler for deeper scratches that are below the waterline. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@howardcushman5288]

@@FishBumpTV Much appreciated!

[@marceltromp1454]

Hi captain ,im on my dailboat in Australia and the cockpit is painted with some house paint. Id like to prepare it all and then use a battery spray painter to make it all very even instead of brushing. What do u think ?

[@FishBumpTV]

Welcome to the channel! We usually roll, brush or spray with conventional guns. I personally have not used a battery powered sprayer for boat work. It could work just fine, I honestly don't know for sure. With I could be more help. Best of luck with your project!

[@Nickolasmb]

Can you make a video on gel coat stress crack repair on a white underhaul?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for watching and for the suggestion. I will try to do a stess crack video when I get the chance.

[@jmartin4030]

Hi, I have a motorhome with fine cracks in the fibreglass roof from a Hail storm, is this a suitable repair for my problem? cheers from OZ

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, potentially. There can be structural damage, and then there can be cosmetic damage. It's hard to know for sure until you get into it a bit. I have a new video coming out in the next day or two that deals specifically with gelcoat stress cracks. I think it might be helpful. Thanks for watching all of the way from Oz!

[@revvedupadventures]

any tips on matching new black gel with old black gel?

[@FishBumpTV]

Black can be a little tricky. Just be sure you are matching to the true color of the hull, and not a badly oxidized area. Another option over trying to match yourself, would be to contact the builder for some factory matched gelcoat, or contact a company like Spectrum gelcoat for one of their custom matches. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!

[@revvedupadventures]

Sadly Honda does not make PWC's anymore and I will have to figure out how to make it match. Almost better off leaving it alone I worry@@FishBumpTV

[@brians6749]

Excellent video. I have an old Glas Ply that needs some renewal. What combination would be good for filling pock marks on the deck surface? It would be very difficult to prep the edges of all the small holes. Is there an easy spreadable mix that I could cover the entire deck with, then sand?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks! Gelcoat or gelcoat thickened with colloidal silica works good for filling small gelcoat dings. I would clean the damaged areas first with some acetone, then a wire brush, pick, or a die grinder. I also have several more gelcoat repair and filler selection videos on the channel that should be helpful.

[@fowlerfinefurniture]

Did you add the sanding aid wax solution to the last coat of gel coat? Thanks!

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, I always recommend adding sanding aid on the last coat of gelcoat for a tack free cure. Thanks for watching!

[@ChrisEaton-i1f]

I love your videos, brother! I’m about to start some “spot repairs” on my Baja with Gelcoat ordered from Mini-Craft…which has a wax additive. Is it okay to add in some colloidal silica with that?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks so much! Sure, it is OK to add colloidal silica to gelcoat with wax in it. We usually only add wax on the last coat, so be sure to sand and wipe down the gelcoat between coats. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@ChrisEaton-i1f]

@@FishBumpTV Awesome! Thanks so much for your timely response! I’ll hit it with acetone and then wet sand. Do I need to use a grit “progression” for the “between coat” process?

[@ChrisEaton-i1f]

Well, I just went ahead and ordered some more Gelcoat from Mini-Craft WITHOUT wax. Now we’re cookin! 👍

[@GamalielPedraza-rl2os]

Hi I have a question. I need your professional advice why is it every time I fix a crack or cover a hole in in gelcoat I always see the repair after I paint it looks very unprofessional what advice can you give me

[@TomOye-e1s]

Thanks for the great video! is there any problem with adding the white adhesive filler to a black gel coat?

[@FishBumpTV]

You're Welcome, glad the video was helpful! You can use a light color filler on a dark hull, it is just a little harder to hide. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!

[@bakervinci163]

Can the catalyst be the small tune catalyst that looks similar to bondo catalyst? This one is specific for gelcoat.

[@FishBumpTV]

It is possible that Bondo-type catalyst could work, but I wouldn't recommend it. I have always used the clear liquid type like in the video. The catalyst for Gelcoat is also known as methyl ethyl ketone peroxide or mekp for short.

[@Jcnell9]

Great video l am filling 6x9 speaker holes and l used gelcoat thickened with fumed silica the gel coat has wax in it what do you suggest to apply the final coat thank you

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, appreciate You watching! Just to be sure You are using thickened gel in the right application. If the area you are filling is more than 1/8th of an inch deep, you might want to consider using some kind of structural body filler first, Then some thickened gel, followed by un-thickened gel with wax in it on the last coat. If gelcoat is applied to thick it can be brittle and crack over time. The final coat can be applied with a brush or short nap roller, or sprayed with a gel gun. you can also use a flexible blade on smaller areas. Hope this helps, and good luck with your project!

[@Jcnell9]

Thank you

[@penncapt]

Can you gelcoat over waxed gelcoat? Thinking waxed is for final coat only.

[@CVPowerRestoration]

Looking to get into small fiberglass repairs like this. How much would a repair like this cost on the street? I don't know much about pricing which is the most important part. I can get the work done no problem. Thanks for your input, great video man!

[@beyblader291]

Easy $100 per hour

[@beyblader291]

Easy $100 per hour

[@FishBumpTV]

Shop labor rate in our area is 100 to 150 an hr for good guys that can really get some work done. 3 to 5 hrs on a job like that, maybe more on a more challenging color. Hope that helps and thanks for watching!

[@scottcrosby6344]

If you keep your hull waxed good will it prevent water stains? I have used bar keeps friend in a spray bottle it work’s amazing to take off water stains but it strips any wax

[@mfalleur233]

I have a ranger aluminum boat , and would like to know if you can just sand the bad spots and use jelly coat to paint it or what needs to be used?

[@FishBumpTV]

Gelcoat is not made for coating aluminum boats. I would recommend a epoxy based product made for adhering to aluminum. Thanks for watching!

[@jasontaylor4619]

Yes sir I like your videos u explain everything perfect but I bought what they sold me gelcoat with wax can I mix the collodical 406 with that gelcoat or do I not use the 406 an add the color with gelcoat an put one coat on it. If u can me out I would greatly appreciate it

[@Mooseboy240]

What if I don’t care about the visual do I need to add color matched coat?

[@FishBumpTV]

Nope, if you do not care about the cosmetics, you do not have to color-match the gel coat. Thanks for watching.

[@travisbaetz2335]

So I have some people on facebook telling me not to do the silica/ gelcoat mix for repair that are under the water line, I'm about repair the keel on a 1971 Boston whaler 16' 8". will this type of repair be ok for this kind of boat, it will be a fishing boat being used in salt water only in the pacific. Dry stored.

[@yurichuhaj1822]

What is the guideline for using thickened gel coat vs the 3m premium filler vs the Evercoat formula 27 on deep gouges?

[@FishBumpTV]

They can all be used with success. Some folks may like the idea of one over the other, so it's mostly a personal preference thing, in my opinion. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@pucho513]

I know this is a year later but I was wondering if I could use this same mix to harden up a spot on my gheenoe that is beginning to soften up, or would i have to completely sand and fiberglass/ gelcoat, thanks in advance.

[@toddpalmer3507]

Do you have a video fixing metal flake gel coat?

[@FishBumpTV]

No, sorry.

[@alee7043]

Instead of compressed air, can you use a vacuum cleaner to clean the sanded area.

[@FishBumpTV]

I think compressed air works better, but if you have a vacuum with a brush attachment on the end, that works pretty good. Hope this helps and thanks for watching

[@alee7043]

@@FishBumpTV thanks.

[@taylorbilodeau2505]

Can you do multiple layers of gel coat if the gel coat has wax in it?

[@kkutube1972]

Could you give me your opinion on why the 406 and not the 410? Thanks.

[@FishBumpTV]

The 410 is more of a lightweight fairing filler, 406 thickens the gelcoat, but with more density. You may be able to use the 410 just fine, I have always used the 410 with good success. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@shadyfieldhomestead1974]

i have a few small cracks in my gel coat. I have some jb weld marine weld, it says it bonds to hulls. can i use this for my small cracks until i can get around to using a gel coat repair kit? also, where can i get a gel coat repair kit and what all do i need in that kit to complete this job?

[@ediego32]

Hello, what gelcoat brand do you use ? Also, after the gelcoat do you have to prime then paint or just paint ? Any paint brand suggestions ? Thank you awesome video btw !

[@FishBumpTV]

We use Polynt Gelcoat, but there are other good brands out there. There is a part 2 to the video you watched that details the finishing process. You do not prime or paint the repair, you wet sand and polish the gel coat to a shine. Hope the video helps you finish your project. Thanks for watching, and commenting!

[@mattlord2906]

Does it come in black? Like Ranger bass boat black?

[@FishBumpTV]

Sure, it comes in black. You might be able to get some directly from ranger or there is a company called spectrum gelcoat that should be able to custom mix for you. Hope this helps and best of luck with your project!

[@seacoast6351]

I have a car cargo rack made of fiberglass with a gel coat. It has cracks and exposed fiberglass from impacts. I live in Washington state and it rains forever. I think this method should work on making everything waterproof again. How much does all the materials from west marine cost? I have made traditional wood boats and worked with fiberglass but not much in the way of gel coats.

[@FishBumpTV]

The thickening additives from west systems are reasonably priced. I think they were around 25 dollars a can. Hope this helps, good luck with Your project, and thanks for watching!

[@bradkrit]

Some Bob Ross action at 5:48

[@FishBumpTV]

Haha, yep! a little bit.

[@nathanbutcher1864]

Do you have a port supply acct from WM if not lmk it’s 100% worth it

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, I do. It definitely helps! Thank you for the suggestion!

[@dirtyorphin]

I’m having to do some work like that my boat and I’m curious and wonder whether the hardened gel coat would be the best or structural repair putty would be the best to use? Any advice or tips on this. Thanks for the pointers.

[@FishBumpTV]

In my opinion, The thickened Gelcoat is fine for smaller repairs with damage less than 1/8 of an inch deep. If the damage is deeper than 1/8, and the fiberglass around it is structurally damaged I recommend a marine-grade repair filler. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@christeal7230]

@@FishBumpTV Which marine grade filler would you recommend? I have several scratched like the one you repaired here from the front bunks rolling out. Also along the bottom I have some repairs. Then I need to repair the keel which has some damage. It just the gel coat thats cracked off the keel but fiberglass is exposed.

[@brettjohnson988]

How do you know what repair is needed depending on how deep into the fiberglass? I have damage from the anchor about the size of a quarter but it clearly goes into the fiberglass. Can this be repaired with this process?

[@FishBumpTV]

It is hard to say without actually seeing it and inspecting the damage. If it is quarter size, and above the waterline then this style of repair is probably fine. If it is below the waterline, and the damage runs into the fiberglass then it might be structural damage. In that case fiberglass or a structural filler might need to be added. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@eddiekelly2150]

Man that Hutchins brings back a lot of memories

[@FishBumpTV]

Yep! They are some good air tools! Thanks for watching!

[@ronf.109]

Awesome video, to bad had to put hole in boat to make it.. That dedication, lol

[@FishBumpTV]

HaHa, You got that right!

[@FishBumpTV]

Anything for the channel man!

[@jadabaudelaire118]

🤣

[@PatrickLayton-g9h]

Do I need to apply epoxy or epoxy with hardener over the filler before I apply the gelcoat?

[@FishBumpTV]

No, generally you do not apply any kind of epoxy under gel coat, it will not adhere well as they are very different materials. I recommend staying with the materials, and steps we use in the video exactly. Any substitutions or changes could result in a problem. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!

[@PatrickLayton-g9h]

@@FishBumpTV Thanks!

[@ronwright4684]

I am getting ready do fix some hairline cracks. I widened them out to around 1/16 inch wide and 1/16 in deep. The boat is flat bottom and turned upside down. Would you go straight to gel coat or still put a thickened base down?

[@FishBumpTV]

Hairline cracks can be tricky. Gelcoat usually cracks because there is movement or flexing, or there was an impact to that area. If the movement is because of structural weakness or flexing the gel coat will continue to crack unless the movement is stopped. If the cracks are from a impact, you would want to be sure there is no structural damage before you repair the cracks, or they will likely just reappear. You could fill them with straight gel coat, and if they reappear you would know that you may have some other issues. I wish it was a simple answer, Hope it helps anyway. Good luck with your project, and thanks for watching!

[@CliffsideOutfitters]

I need your help. I sprayed my boat with clear and it turned amber colored. Don’t know what to do. Help

[@harveysign]

Will these scrapes cause water to leak into the boat?

[@FishBumpTV]

Shallow scrapes like these usually will not allow water to leak into the hull. But if you have damage like this you should make sure it is very dry before attempting any kind of repair. Thanks for watching!

[@rbonds2006]

What did put in the 406 to thicken, resin?

[@FishBumpTV]

Gelcoat

[@DustedWCUE]

Is there any benefit to using thickened gel coat vs. formula 27 and then glue coat over for this type of repair ? Is one stronger than the other ?

[@DustedWCUE]

Gel. Not glue. ..

[@FishBumpTV]

The formula 27 is good for deeper repairs that need more filling. The gel coat is more water proof, and is better for lighter damage in my opinion. They can both work well, I just wanted to show some options when it comes to repair methods. I plan on doing more gelcoat repair videos soon. I would appreciate some requests or suggestions. If you have any, just let me know. thanks, and good luck with your project!

[@stephenburnage7687]

Question for you. I had my boat hauled and bottom painted in Mexico a few years ago. It was only when i recently came to repaint the bottom that i discovered that the Mexican yard had been overly aggressive with the sanding and had gone through the gelcote in multiple places, without repairing it (just covering the damage with bottom paint). How best to repair it? I also have discovered blisters (not sure if that is related to the Mexican yard or not). Can the repair methodolgy cover both defects? Finally, since that haul out, i notice that my boat is sitting lower in the water. Is it possible for that the (solid, not cored) fibreglass to absorb sufficient water to affect the waterline?

[@FishBumpTV]

Sorry to hear about your problem. It is usually recommended that an epoxy barrier coat, such as Interlux 2000E be used over the freshly sanded gel coat before applying the bottom paint. This helps prevent moister from migrating into the fiberglass, which will cause blisters to form. Interlux makes an epoxy filler made just for below-the-waterline blister repair. The basics of the repair would go like this, remove the old bottom paint, grind out all of the blisters, and give the boat some time to dry completely. Then clean and fill the blister damage with an epoxy filler made for blister repair, let it cure then sand fair. Then apply 3 to 4 coats of epoxy barrier coat, then within the cure window of the barrier coat apply 2 to 3 coats of bottom paint. That covers the basics, I recommend you continue to do your research and decide what is the best method for you. As far as water adding enough weight to the boat to change the waterline, I don't think that is likely. Water may be somewhere else in the boat. Hope this helps, thanks for watching

[@stephenburnage7687]

​@@FishBumpTVYour advice is much appreciated. I have also since learnt that any filler they used was polyester based resin, not epoxy, adding to the problem. Yes, I will strip everything back and fo it all over again, this time using epoxy resins plus a barrier coat. One more question for you: The boat is now in Panama, which has a high humidity climate like Alabama. How long do you allow for drying and do you employ any special techniques to accelerate drying time? I am unlikely to find a yard with anything like an environmentally controlled shop or equipment like heat blankets.

[@richreynoldsCIT]

awesome !

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you!

[@martinfox9560]

Often called toothpaste consistency for fixing surfboards

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, I have heard that before, along with peanut butter. Thanks for your input, I appreciate you watching!

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

My gelcoat didn’t set up right its still sticky. I didnt have the wax and i covered it with shipping tape. Im not sure if i used to much hardener or what 😏. How would you clean the old back off. Just sand it an clean with alcohol

[@FishBumpTV]

You might want to try some small test batches of gel coat to dial in your catalyst ratios. Small batches require very precise measurements. Generally, 1 to 2 percent catalyst is where you want to be. It can also be difficult to get the gel to cure under a film like shipping tape. The wax additive is really the best way to go if you can get some. There is another material called PVA polyvinyl alcohol, that can be sprayed over the last coat as a film or air inhibiter. If you can not get those materials you can use wax paper, like what's used in cooking as a film over the last coat of gel instead of shipping tape. it should work better. We always use acetone as the solvent of choice when cleaning surfaces or removing uncured gel. Hope this helps. thanks for watching!

[@TEXASHANDYMANSVCS]

Are you not suppose to thicken gel coat that has wax?

[@FishBumpTV]

You can thicken gelcoat that has wax, just remember that waxed gelcoat has to be sanded between coats. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@TEXASHANDYMANSVCS]

@@FishBumpTV Thank you for the reply.

[@MBicknell]

i wanted to see the finished article! surely that not guna be as glossy as a finish as the original

[@FishBumpTV]

It is a 2 part video, so you can see the finished product here on our channel. Yes, it will be as glossy as the original finish.

[@Howarda1212]

Why didn't he have to cover the first coat with plastic or wax paper? With this method will the first layer cure?

[@FishBumpTV]

You only have to inhibit air contact with the last coat of gelcoat for a tack free cure. Wax additives, plastic film or pva on the last coat will fully cure the previous layers. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@bakervinci163]

Where can you get the silica fill?

[@FishBumpTV]

West systems epoxy makes that particular caloidial silica thats in the video. If you have a West marine in your area they should have it. I am also sure you can find it online. Hope that helps, Appreciate you watching.

[@bakervinci163]

Also, where can I get modifier c? I’m in Baton Rouge.

[@FishBumpTV]

I buy it from a company called Advanced plastics. I believe there is one in your area. Most fiberglass supply, or gelcoat supply companies should carry it.

[@BamaBassCatcher99]

How long after the 2nd coat did you “soften the edge”? Also do you have the finishing part to this video.

[@alexalex7375]

I watched your videos very interestingly, I myself have been a seaman for more than 24 years, if you have the opportunity to learn your craft, write to me I will be very glad, thank you

[@chunkyfather29]

No finished product ?

[@FishBumpTV]

It is a 2 part video. The second video takes the repair to completion. We also have several other gelcoat repair videos here on the channel. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!