The Secrets of GELCOAT and WHAT You Need to Know!

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In this video, we will cover all the basics of gelcoat - from what it is, to how it's applied, and everything in between. Gelcoat is a crucial component in boat maintenance, and knowing how to properly work with it can save you time and money in the long run. We will discuss the different types of gelcoat, common issues that arise with gelcoat, and best practices for repairing and maintaining gelcoat on your boat. Whether you're a seasoned boater or just getting started in the world of marine maintenance, this video will provide you with all the information you need to confidently work with gelcoat.
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#Gelcoat #BoatMaintenance #MarineRepair #DIY #BoatCare #GelcoatBasics #fiberglass #tipsandtricks #DIY #crafting #construction
Check out our other videos for more in-depth tutorials and expert advice on working with gelcoat & fiberglass.
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[@FishBumpTV]

We have made Patreon ( www.patreon.com/FishBumpTv ) available for members who are interested in consultations on their projects. Thank you for your support!

[@godadgo1338]

You have no idea how much you have helped me get back into glassing stuff.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@SCBoats]

I wish you would have made this video a month ago.😂 I've been struggling with gelcoat on the total rehab of a 1992 Stratos bass boat. There are a lot of conflicting opinions on KZbin, and this video is the most concise I've seen. Thanks for the effort to make these videos. I have 2 channels myself, Swamp Cat Boat works and FDx Custom Rods, so I understand the amount of work involved. Subscribed from both!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad I could help! Welcome to the channel and best of luck with your project!

[@richardpippin6159]

I’m planning on gel coating a 1967 Hinterhoeller sailboat, this information is valuable. Thanks good video!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@rollingrecords9019]

You rock 💯 love your passionate videos brother

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you so much! Glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@slagletoby]

Hey Joe, I’m working on my 1985 16’ Privateer CC and you’ve helped me so much you have no idea. I just wanted to reach out say “thank you”! Stay Awesome 🤟

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad I could help! I really appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@cameron6i]

I never bothered to comment and I watch a ton of KZbin thanks for providing such helpful and thorough content really appreciate it and you have excellent delivery looking forward to seeing blow up on KZbin

[@FishBumpTV]

Wow, thanks so much for the kind words of encouragement, it means alot! I have really been surprised by the positive response to the videos we have been making, and as the channel grows we should be able to do more and more interesting content for everyone to enjoy! I hope this is the case, and I truly appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@flyingpigforge]

Wow! What a lot of info, thanks… I’ll have to watch a second time and take notes.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad to help!

[@vbarbara59]

Great Job on this tutorial! I have been learning so much and mostly eliminating mistakes for the sake of compatibility.. Thank you again for your effort to teach DIY's like me who own a boat and like to make her glorious! keep them coming!!

[@FishBumpTV]

Wow, thanks so much! Glad the videos are helpful and best of luck with your boat projects!

[@megajointen]

Hello I just want to say that to the People who wants the casting surface, 2 older boats in my harbour that then have been auto paintet and this Can be buffed and looks great. Best regards from Denmark Thanks for all the good work you are doing😊

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for watching all the way from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@cedricc2376]

Thank you captain Joe for those precious tips and demonstrations. I am following you for about a year, and this is my first comment and really want to thank you for all the time you spend sharing your experience and make boat shop operations cristal clear. I am slowly refreshing a 1980s mako 224 from my grand father. It is a hudge project but I am not in a hurry and take my time to do the right thing taking into account your tips. ❤

[@FishBumpTV]

You are very welcome! Glad you are enjoying the videos, and best of luck with your project!

[@hannesaltenfelder4302]

17:02 I like these routine things like brushing your brush on your pullover before using it❤

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your thoughts!

[@luisgcasiquet]

Very generous sharing all your knowledge. Thanks again

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you are enjoying the videos! Thanks for watching!

[@backcountrylifemagazine6912]

What a wealth of knowledge for a new boat builder like myself. Thanks!! Keep up the great work.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to help, and best of luck with your boatbuilding project !

[@pauljohnstone8156]

Hey Mate, thanks so much for putting so much time and effort into these videos - (and camera man) I am from Queensland Australia- in the north where the temp is hot and humid- it’s a tourist region called Port Douglas. I’ve been watching all your videos and have to say you really do a great job to explain every single detail! I’m doing up an old 1979 cruise craft 18ft and these tips you are giving are super useful. Only thing I’d say is - I’m constantly on google to check the quart and ounce to milliliters 😂- but I’m working it out slowly… so I think a quart is about 950ml Anyway thanks heaps for sharing your experience with us- I think someone said - these videos will used for the next decade. I agree well done Captain Joe ! Kind Regards Paul

[@FishBumpTV]

Wow! Welcome to the channel Paul! Thanks so much for watching all the way from Australia 🇦🇺 I am working on adding more metric measurements for the rest of the world. I hope this helps, and best of luck with your projects!

[@lectro88]

I must say again and acknowledge how well you cover the details required to have the best results. In the most recent of time since finding your channel, you have 1 to all 3... either answered a question, covered a lingering question,. or done both and covered more in depth details. All that you covered in this vid is coming up in the future,. now it may be a year or longer or it may be several years. I too purchased a HVLP gravity with 2 & 3 mm nozzles, (very large crude tips to avoid as much thinning as possible) Thinking to myself using such a large tip is probably have a fairly coarse texture right out of the gun. After watching you roll the Busk2900 not so sure that's not going to be my chosen method. I had already figured on trying different test applications on scrap pieces before any real attempts,. but again this is years away. But thanks again.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad the videos are helping to answer some of your questions, and I wish you the best of luck with your future boat projects!

[@kevinjamescerce]

This is a great video. You really know your shit. I vary my approach with gelcoat jobs all the time. Usually I mix my main batch into smaller batches due to working time. I do 4-5 coats giving 5-10 minutes between coats for flash time. Usually I use patch aid in the final batch but sometimes use pva. Thanks for the video!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you are enjoying the videos! I appreciate you sharing your method and techniques!

[@Phoevos]

great video!!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you!! I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@nolinovio6748]

very informative, thank you

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@artcowan6114]

Great! Thanks!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for watching!

[@jtwalukiewicz4100]

Great content. Thank you

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@arnoldsnodgrass2953]

Very, very useful. Thanks.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@eriko184]

Thanks so much for this information once again.

[@FishBumpTV]

You are very welcome, glad to help!

[@thongyiewkhong8542]

Great job captain. Thanks

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate you watching!

[@thats-no-moon]

I love the more rugged look of rolled gel coat. Nice video!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching

[@davidc7406]

Thank you. That is very interesting

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you liked it! I appreciate you watching!

[@patg2544]

This was perfect. Now I have a way forward. Thank you.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@phyllisghersi9501]

great video and information.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jt36048]

Awesome explanation...!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you liked it!

[@Doubleheader2]

As always, nice presentation. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimclark2824]

Thank you sir for another great video...

[@FishBumpTV]

You bet! Thanks for watching

[@gillewis6666]

I love your videos and how you explain it.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Michael-nx7im]

THANK U FROM MIMS FL.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for watching!

[@ekhatchboosted]

Thank you for this straight forward video and for sharing your knowledge.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@Harrybollox]

Another great video, loads of useful easy to comprehend info. With the demo where you spoke of how to get a smooth finish with multiple coats and sanding, I wonder why you use a roller with such a deep nap, (it looks like it from the vid). Would it not be better to use a low nap roller designed for high gloss finishes where gloss is the aim. Also you don’t mention Peelply or any such product. I am no expert, just a KZbin boat stuff addict so far.

[@FishBumpTV]

If I knew I was going to be sanding the gelcoat to a glossy finish I would roll out the gelcoat, then tip it with a quality paint brush to lay it down Smooth. You could also spray it to get a smoother surface to start with. I don't use peel ply personally. It is a extra expense, and it creates additional waste. Just my personal opinion. I hope this helps clarify the process I would use. Thanks for watching!

[@keithwenban2430]

thanks, very much appreciate your time to make this video, learnt so much...

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@tamcaj]

Très instructif, j’ai adoré.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-fk6cx6xw1u]

Fish bump family really love the video appreciate every aspect of it and you are absolutely right Logan has done a fantastic job with these videos great content Thanks again y'all for your time and knowledge moving forward!

[@FishBumpTV]

Wow, thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement! I will be sure to tell Logan that you said he is doing a good job, I am sure he will appreciate that! I also want to thank you for watching and being a loyal supporter of the channel!

[@redwood1957]

Thank you.

[@FishBumpTV]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@timgriffiths4793]

hey Joe, thanks so much for that info, I am about to recoat the bottom of the Kayak I am restoring, this has been a great help. love your channel.. oh and PS, thanks for including us folk that are on the other side of the world and use metric.. 😂

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to help, and best of luck with your Kayak project!

[@coldspring624]

Very good .

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you!

[@BallisticNightHunts]

I have a crack in the bottom of my hull from where the roller on my trailer gave out unfortunately.. I’ve been watching your videos and curious how you would go about it from start to finish, you may have a video on it already so I’ll keep digging

[@FishBumpTV]

I don't currently have a video on something like that, but hope to soon. Thanks for watching!

[@jaredc5789]

Same my boat has a crack in the bow where something hit it. The previous owner smeared some kind of putty over it and tried to patch it really crappy. And the putty cracked. I wonder if it would work if I could sand it all down add vinyl ester filler and then gel coat over it. The whole underwater line on my boat needs regel coated. It looks like someone maybe added paint or did a bad gel coat job because it's all cracked and chipping off.

[@BallisticNightHunts]

@@jaredc5789 I just fixed mine and it’s water tight! I recorded the steps I took from sanding it back to good wood, glassing, and filling if you’d like to share a video of it

[@kevinjamescerce]

I also use styrene to thin and spray with a preval if it’s not a really large area

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!

[@rgerega]

Great video Captain Joe. Do you have a video about repairing spider cracks on gelcoat?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you are enjoying the channel! I don't have a video on spider cracks in gelcoat yet. I hope to have one soon. I appreciate you watching !

[@hanskallens7953]

Gracias por tus vídeos 🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@FishBumpTV]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@blakebergeron8852]

Can you please give details and where to find the pressure pot and external mix gel coat spray system.

[@FishBumpTV]

I bought the setup from a company called Minnie craft of Florida. The pot is a CA technologies 5 gal pressure pot. The gun is a Binks 2001 gw with a external catalyst mix attachment. I hope this help, and thanks for watching!

[@BillyLeeWilson]

A novice question to clarify for me and possible others. Would you add wax to first gelcoat layer in a mold? The side against the mold I would think you would want to harden to possibly sand and polish out after de-molding. The inside of that first layer you would want to stay tacky for laminating. I eventually plan on working with Carbon Fiber but am gaining tons of info from your channel. Thanks.

[@FishBumpTV]

I can see why you might think you would add wax on the first layer of a molded part, but you don't. The mold itself is waxed, and the surface of the mold inhibits the gelcoats access to air, which allows it to cure to full hardness on the mold side, but remain tacky on the inside of the mold so that the fiberglass laminate with still bond to the gelcoat. As our mold building series continues, you will get to see the process when we build the actual hard top. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@TylerDWard]

11:30 why did you add modifier c . Didn’t you say not to add the wax when using thickened gelcoat?

[@Art-jw8ho]

Capt Joe another great video. Had another suggestion to add to your video idea list. ….spraying gelcoat with those disposable preval sprayers. That’s the tool of choice at many marinas near me and I have wanted to give it a try

[@FishBumpTV]

Great suggestion! Thanks for watching!

[@ITUMBLE4U]

​@@FishBumpTV I have a few of the cheap "disposable" HF spray guns, which I think I could use if I modified the tip. What size tip/orifice would you recommend for trying to spray gelcoat? Thanks for sharing your knowledge (and links to products) in the very informative video(s)!

[@AustinJenkins-fv5di]

Hey I love the clarity in your videos! Any way I can PM you for a just a little more information?

[@ericmeyn4380]

Great video. And I hope I didn’t miss this. But you do a great job of saying when to use wax, but I never heard what wax does for you. What is the purpose of the wax in the last coat?

[@Michael-nx7im]

FROM MIKE FROM MIMS,LAST COAT WITH WAX SO WE CAN SAND TO MAKE LAST COAT LOOK LIKE IT CAME OUT OF MOLD. COAT WITH OUT WAX IS STICKY AND WILL GUM UP WHEN SANDING. WAX LAST COAT WE CAN SAND TO OUR SATISFATION, MORE SANDING MORE SATISFATION. THANK YOU , OH BY THE WAY I AM 85 AND LOVE WORKING WITH FIBERGLASS.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks! Wax is added to help the gelcoat fully cure to a tack free, hard surface that can then be sanded if needed or put into service. I hope this helps and I appreciate you watching!

[@ericmeyn4380]

@@FishBumpTV Thanks! Makes sense! I guess it just wasn't making sense to me that wax would somehow make the cured product easier to sand. LOL

[@aloissuter1071]

Dead Nuts On Captain 👍 Still the best all around Fiberglass boat Videos on KZbin. Glad to see you doing One on One consultation instructions with DYI projects! Will we see the T Top build on the 29’er before the off season or we have to wait till winter?

[@FishBumpTV]

Wow, thanks! We will be posting some t top plug and mold building content very soon, so stay tuned!

[@aloissuter1071]

Can’t wait

[@drifter9425]

Man THANKS i just bought a skiff to re do

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@Four2NineProductions]

Thanks so much for the info. I need to fix the gel coat on my Kawasaki jetski. The damage is in the front above the waterline. I will need to build it up and sand it. Do you recommend gelcoat with wax and thickener, then sand followed by a finish gel coat with wax, or formal 27, then sand, and use gel coat w/ wax?

[@JohnHunterPlayerr]

9:37 can you link to a video going over how you made that gel?

[@BreezyS5]

hey man, just curious once your done with your project blazer bay, and need a project for some more video content, i have a 25ft FITZ CC that needs stringers redone, transom, floor redone, id pay for the materials, just food for thought, figured id ask, but may not be do able, but I'm not too far out from you, I'm in panama city,

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for the offer, but I think we might build a 15 to 16 foot skiff after the Blazer project. Thanks for watching!

[@davidbaize3868]

Soo helpful. What can you use between apoxy and gelcoat to apply gelcoat

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to help! Generally it is not considered a good idea to apply gelcoat over epoxy as it may not cure properly or may release over time. There are some products called tie coats that I want to do some testing on before I could make a recommendation. I hope to test some of these materials soon for you all, so stay tuned!

[@tommysmith5825]

Hi joe do you allow the gelcoat with out wax to dry before decorating regards Tommy

[@user-nf6bk3ep4j]

Do you have a video explaining how to make poly flake repairs to gauges and scratches. Thanks you. Your videos are great.

[@FishBumpTV]

No, sorry. We just don't do much metal flake repair work in our area. Thanks for watching!

[@bretringquist2800]

Captain Always great info from the most experienced!! Still want to know impact strength of gelcoat and or different glass layups and thickness needed to make body panels. I know your boat hulls must be brutally strong as I'm the one that wants to make datsun 510 bodies that are strong enough for the roads. We thank you for teaching us so much!!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you are enjoying the videos! I don't think car body panels would need to be nearly as tough as boat hulls, and the cosmetics would be very important. With that being said, I would imagine after your gelcoat is applied to the mold that 4 to 5 layers of 1 or 1.5 Oz csm and using vinyl Ester resins in the part would be a good place to start testing a part. I would be concerned that any heavy glass like 1708 might print through the finish. We frequently make test panels and experiment with different laminates before deciding what is going to work best for a particular boat application. Since we don't make car parts, I can't really say for sure what is exactly the best for what you are doing. Always test and experiment before moving forward. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@bretringquist2800]

@@FishBumpTV Thanks for your time - I will try many tests. thanks for steering me in the right direction!

[@makarone]

Thanks for sharing such gems, and for teaching us! Could you please tell, is it fine to apply 4 layers of non waxed gel, with the cure time like 1-2 hours between layers, and then to let it cure for 24 hours before the last waxed layer? Thanks!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you are enjoying the videos! I usually like to give the gelcoat more cure time, like 2 coats a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Not saying want you are asking can't work, it's just not how we do it. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@doug2202]

Awesome video capt. Love your content always. Great job by camera man If I wanted to strip bottom paint and redo with Gelcoat, would you suggest roll and tip or spray? I know it will be labor intensive

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks so much! It could be done both ways. It might depend on what you are more comfortable with. Roll and tip is pretty easy for most people to master, but spraying can result in a quality job also. You might want to experiment some to see if you prefer one over the other. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@corellian2011]

If you are going to put bottom paint back on the bottom... no need to gelcoat. Just sand bottom, clean, and apply barrier coat and bottom pain as per manufacturers instructions. When we do bottom repairs we never gelcoat the repair unless the boat is dry stored and has no bottom paint. Believe it or not... gelcoat on the bottom of a boat causes more problems then it solves. Epoxy barrier coat protects the fiberglass and acts like a primer when done correctly.

[@steptoe7542]

Hi there loving your videos. This is my first time boat project and I'm learning a lot form your clips. I have a simple question can you apply more then one coat of flowcoat/gelcoat with wax

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you are enjoying the videos! We usually apply gelcoat with wax on the last coat only. It allows the gelcoat to fully cure, and produces a tack free surface. If you apply more gelcoat over gelcoat that has wax in it , the second coat will not bond properly. You can wipe down the wax gelcoat surface with acetone, then sand the surface well before adding another coat of gelcoat to help it bond. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@TLCBB]

hello, I would like to know if fiberglass and epoxy go on a thin sheet plastic mold

Thank you for your excellent videos that I have enjoyed watching😊 I have a question on gelcoat with fillers - in Denmark sold premixed as “gelcoat spartel”Used i.e. for minor kayak repairs. Does it polish ad well as pure gelcoat? Does it create more airbubbles?

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you are enjoying the videos all of the way from Denmark 🇩🇰! I don't know if we have the products you are talking about here in the states, or I am not familiar with then. I wish I could be more help! Maybe someone reading the comments has some info that they could share. Thanks again for watching!

[@andreireal9158]

I've come with a method of spraying gelcoat using HVLP with minimum orange peel, that worked well on a clear gelcoat: contrary to using a spray gun with as big nozzle as possible, use the smallest one (1.0 mm nozzle) with high pressure and preheat gelcoat (in a bucket of hot water or under the sun\ir heater). Goes like this: a small amount of gelcoat (~150g by weight) is preheated to 35-40C, than thinned with styrene 5%, than activated with 2% mkep, than quickly poured in the spray gun and sprayed immediately. The working time of this mix is about 2-3 minutes. The orange peel is pretty comparable to what you would get from a canned automotive clearcoat, so sanding and buffing is required, but not that much as after a roller. Also, while this works for the clear gelcoat, as it is more liquid, I don't know if this will work on a standard colored gelcoat. The idea was to minimize sanding - put a "base" colored gelcoat, sand it smooth up to 400-500p, than spray clear gelcoat and get a smooth mirror finish, like a car clearcoat over paint.

[@FishBumpTV]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and process!

[@chrisrancat2808]

Have you ever tried putting wax paper or similarly a thin, clear plastic sheet directly onto the gelcoat? Almost like a mini mold localized to the repair. Iam thinking I will try it I just need the right job for it.

[@andreireal9158]

@@chrisrancat2808 I did - the plastic food film to cure it without wax and a ceramic tile to make it perfectly flat. The results were poor. The film did help the gelcoat to cure, but created a lot of micro folds that imprinted in the surface and it had to be sanded. The ceramic tile press was better but also imprinted tile surface imperfections, so again it needed sanding.

[@wtsmovie4825]

Hi ! Thanks a lot for all these advices and explanations! Now, I’m looking for some help here, I repaired some bare fibreglass under the waterline on my outboard, sand it with 80 grit and apply a coat of unwaxed gelcoat, now that this gel coat is cured can I just use interluxe interprotect 2000e on it ? Is it better to sand it first and wash with water and soap ? Or just apply the epoxy primer right on ? Cheers ✌🏼

[@drifter9425]

Question can you gelcoat with a roller over sanded old interior of rough skiff if some paint is left in the low spots or would i be better off epoxy priming and painting 2 part paint

[@luisgcasiquet]

Thanks!! Wil waxed gelcoat work in vertical surfaces???

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, it should. It is best applied in several thin coat, vs 1 or 2 very thick coats when working vertically. Thanks for watching!

[@gilbertcordina]

Thanks to you managed to perfectly fix 2 deep scratches I had in the gelcoat and saved $500. However using 2% hardner and covering the gelcoat with plastic film it was rock hard after 1.5 hrs and after 2 hrs was ready and sanded. Shouldn't it take long time to dry?

[@FishBumpTV]

That's great, 500 bucks is a nice chunk to save! Remember that 2 percent is at the top end that is recommended for gelcoat, and the thicker the application, the faster it will cure. Temperature is also a factor, and from brand to brand of materials there can be cure time variables. There can be a lot of variables when working with these materials, I think that is why people are so interested in the subject. I hope this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@gillewis6666]

I have to ask on this video. You applied the gelcoat and added wax as last coat. Do I then add PVA to the entire surface for curing?

[@FishBumpTV]

If you add wax in the last coat, there is no need to add pva. If you didn't add wax on the last coat, you could add pva to make it cure. You can also apply wax paper, or plastic film over the gelcoat on small repairs to make it cure. I will be making another video on this topic very soon for everyone. I hope this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@gillewis6666]

@@FishBumpTV thank you!!

[@engina1572]

thanks alot for your videos i had a question i am prepping my boat floor i have pulled the carpet up scrapped the glue sanded then tinted and rolled a couple unwaxed coats then did a waxed coat. i am going to use my cnc router to router some foam for the top i am just wondering what do i a have to do to take the wax of the surface ? will the surface wax make my eva foam not bond well.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you are enjoying the videos! I would consider putting a light scuff on the surface of the gelcoat in the area you will be applying the foam. A wipedown with acetone, followed by a scuff with a scotchbrite pad or some 220 grit paper should get the job done. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@ritaparsons277]

I have a 2001 Bavaria sailboat and the deck needs attention. The original finish is Gelcoat over the entire deck including the non skid. Am I right in thinking I can’t use the gel coat over the nonskid because of the sanding process in the end?

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes,gelcoat over nonskid can be more difficult to do. There are a couple methods that can be used. One is to use a new stainless steel wire brush to clean and scuff the grooves in the nonskid. This is usually done by hand, not machine and has to be done very carefully and thoroughly. The other way is to completely remove the original nonskid with a sander or grinder, and then apply gelcoat with nonskid over the areas where the original nonskid was. This can be very labor intensive, and you should definitely do some research and testing before you decide to move forward with this method. I will have a gelcoat nonskid video coming soon for everyone. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@thejetfire20]

Thanks for the great information. In new boat construction, is unwaxed gel coat what is used when spraying a hull mold prior to skin out and structural lamination?

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, unwaxed gelcoat is what would be used when building a fiberglass part in a mold. Thanks for watching!

[@AK-kr9mw]

Thanks for the video! I have a question I want to do a gloss finish so I would do 4 to 5 coats of gelcoat without wax and the last coat with wax do I have to wait one day in between the coats of the unwaxed gel coat and do I need to scuff it up before applying another coat of unwaxed gelcoat? Thank you

[@FishBumpTV]

If you want to be able to wet sand and polish the gelcoat to a glossy finish then 4 coats is minimum, and 5 coats is pretty typical. You can shorten up the Time between coats depending on Temperature, humidity, catalyst percent added to gel etc. I just like to give each coat plenty of time to tack off and time for the solvents in the gelcoat to evaporate before adding another coat. I don't typically sand or scuff the gelcoat between coats unless some debris has fallen or blown into the gelcoat. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@AK-kr9mw]

Thank you!

[@mikeehlers4714]

Love your videos, I have learned a lot. My question is...what happens or what should you do if you have to add or have added multiple coats of gelcoat with wax? I know you say only the last coat should have wax, but being new to this and just learning technique and stuff I have found I usually over sand and go through the layers, so then I need to add more as I have taken away from the color matching. Hope that all makes sense. Thanks Mike

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you are enjoying the videos! I know the wax, no wax in gelcoat thing can be tricky. In our shop we always buy gelcoat without wax, then we add the wax as needed in the last coat to allow the gelcoat to fully cure tack free. The issue with waxed gelcoat is that it needs to be wiped down with acetone and sanded before more coats can be applied or the following coats will not bond properly. There isn't alot that can be done outside of those options. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@DominiqueFleming-cd9wc]

Hey man I am fixing to floor on a 18 boat and I fiberglass the bottom of the boards and will do the top with mat and strands of fiberglass and of course it till be resin on it so can I sand it with like 80 grit and then gel coat it or no I’ll have to get the vinyl stuff??

[@FishBumpTV]

You don't have to use vinyl ester resins, but it is very good. I also like a good isophthalic laminating resin. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@stevencroft4850]

Another great video!.. A quick question please..I am looking to repair a bad gouge in the metal flake on the side of my bass boat. I was planning on filling the gouge, (which is down to the fiberglass) with fibrous putty, and then brushing gelcoat over that, before applying clear gelcoat with the metal flake. Then putting on a final coat or two of clear before covering it with Mylar. Am I doing this the right way? Your comment of not using gelcoat over fibrous putty has me concerned. Many thanks for any advice you can offer.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you are enjoying the videos! We don't do any metal flake work at all in our shop, but the bulk of your plan sounds good to me. As far as your filler or putty of choice goes, either thickened gelcoat, or a vinyl Ester based filler is best if you plan on going over the repair with gelcoat. It is epoxy based putty or filler than can create a curing issue with gelcoats, and that why I don't recommend epoxy based materials under gelcoat. I hope this answers your question and best of luck with your boat project!

[@DanielGriffin-lr6ky]

Quick question i have a 2020 yamaha fx svho limited all black wave runner. Has some gelcoat damage i need to repair in the back of ski top and side. Dock rash. Some is down to fiberglass. Can you recommend what to get for this repair? Im a total newbie any help would be greatly appreciated Watched some videos of yours and think i can do it just need some direction on what to buy

[@luxcars2849]

So if I’m only doing repairs I will use gel coat with wax? And also do I still have to add hardeners to the one with wax

[@FishBumpTV]

We only use waxed gelcoat on the last coat, all the other coats are going to be no wax. The wax allows the last coat to fully cure, and will have a hard non tacky surface. Yes, a hardener, or catalyst Always has to be added to gelcoat or it will not cure. MEKP or methyl ethyl ketone peroxide is going to be the technical name of the catalyst. I will have more gelcoat videos coming out soon. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@wf-qi4ev]

I did a repair job with a few layers of unwaxed gel coat and then a layer of waxed gel coat for my last coat. However, I ran a little thin and some parts still seem a little tacky. In order to not use more gel coat can PVA Mold release be used a day later to cure over the whole area and then be sanded?

[@wf-qi4ev]

Or would another layer of wax gel coat be best? Thanks for all the helpful videos!

[@FishBumpTV]

I would probably use waxed gelcoat on the tacky areas if you have some. Pva should also work if you don't have waxed gelcoat. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@michaelgreenwood5222]

Hey there. I did some repairs on my boat with 3M marine premium filler on the bottom it is a vilyl ester filler. I sanded it all down smooth. Do i have to waterproof it with gel coat or can i leave as is????

[@FishBumpTV]

I would recommend sealing the vinyl Ester filler with gelcoat. That's going to give you the best results. Thanks for watching!

[@fathead9264]

Great show! Quick question--- I'm going to re-gelcoat a deck on a commercial lobster boat, that had been done about 2 years ago. I had put 2 coats of no-wax and a top coat of grey wax gelcoat, but it has worn down through the gelcoat to the polyester in some places. Do I have to sand it all down or can I just clean it with acetone and roll another couple coats over what's there? This deck gets a lot of hard use! Thanks

[@guadaluperios7653]

Sanding is always the Right way. If it's Nothing Fancy and you don't care at least clean it with acetone. 👍🏼

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you are enjoying the videos! A wipe down with acetone, then a light scuffing with 80 grit paper, followed by another acetone wipe down to remove the dust should do the trick. Best of luck with your project!

[@maddness1997]

Do you use wax gel coat in the mold? Or do you use it on the final layer..Question 2- Which is the final layer of gelcoat in the mold.. would it be the first application in the mold (the Outside finish) or would it be the last coat before layup? i was under the impression the wax was added to ensure a 'non tacky' surface and you would use unwaxed gelcoat to lay up to ensure adhesion with the multiple layers. Please correct me where im wrong

[@FishBumpTV]

You do not use gelcoat with wax at all when building a part in a mold. When a Mold is being prepped for building a part, the molds surface is waxed several times with a special Mold release wax. The unwaxed gelcoat is applied to the molds surface. The wax in the mold keeps it from sticking, and limits the gelcoats exposure to air. Gelcoat needs to be air inhibited, or sealed from exposure to air so that it can fully cure. That is what wax does when it is mixed in with gelcoat, it floats to the surface and creates a air barrier. You can use a brush to apply gelcoat to a small mold or we usually spray it. We usually do 2 passes or coats when applying it into a mold. You want good coverage, but not overly thick. Around 1/16 of an inch or so. After the unwaxed gelcoat is sprayed in the mold and has cured for several hours up to 24 hr or so we then apply a skin coat of fiberglass. The fiberglass will stick to the unwaxed gelcoat in the mold, and cause a permanent bond to it. After the skin coat of glass has cured, we then start the full lamination process. I think I will be doing a part 2 and maybe even a part 3 to the gelcoat secrets series so as to answer more of everyone's questions as they come up. I hope this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@Josh7899ify]

Serious question. Is that blue Columbia shirt itchy? I’ve seen sanding and glass work done by you in it countless times. Does it come out in the wash or do you own like 12 of the same long sleeve Columbia shirt and eventually toss it?

[@FishBumpTV]

I don't itch much at all, but I have probably developed a tolerance for working around fiberglass. I do like the Columbia shirts, and yes It does seem to come out in the wash, and yes I probably have 10 to 15 of exactly the same shirt. It's just my thing, I always wear a blue Columbia, and khaki colored pants or shorts to work. A good tyvek suit is always a good idea though, it will definitely help save you some wear and tear on your good clothes! I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@megajointen]

Can you use vinylester with binder and if yes would you then could build a boat in normalt exterior plywood? Have a great day

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, you can use vinyl Ester with csm that has binders in it. Marine grade fir plywood is what we prefer. There are so many different types of plywood, it is hard to say for sure about all different grades, and which might work best for you. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@serviceproper]

If all I bought was gelcoat with wax, can I still put multiple layers if I sand each coat with 80grit? Also before final coat do you sand and what grit? Thanks

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, you can sand between coats if all you have is waxed gelcoat. It is also possible to apply one coat after the other if you apply it just as the first coat is starting to cure. This takes a little experience to know when, but it can be done. I usually recommend folks should buy unwaxed gelcoat, then also buy some wax additive so that you have options. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@serviceproper]

@@FishBumpTV thank you!

[@caneanguidry3581]

If you are restoring a boat and rolling on and tipping the coats do you have to sand between coats or just reapply the next coat will they bond to each other??

[@FishBumpTV]

You do not have to sand between coats as long as you have not put wax in the gelcoat. You would only put wax in the last coat, that will allow the gelcoat to dry tack free so that it can be sanded with clogging up the sandpaper. I hope this helps and best of luck with your project!

[@tropicrows]

Is vinylester resin ever used for gel coats, and if not, why not. When I was doing my boat restoration project many years ago, it was accepted that you could use waxed laminating resin on multiple layers as long as the previous layer had not fully cured. In fact it was difficult to buy non waxed laminating resin.

[@FishBumpTV]

Vinyl Ester will yellow when exposed to uv, that why it's not used as a gelcoat. Yes, if you time it just right you can get away with hot coating waxed resin, but I try to avoid it if possible. I hope this helps and thanks for watching

[@JoshOBar]

thank you for the video. If you are using a gel coat with no wax for your base layers it is obviously not going to fully cure and will still be tacky. Are you having to sand off the tackiness before adding another no wax layer? or are you just applying over the top of the tacky layer with more no wax layers and putting your with wax gelcoat as your final for a full cure?

[@FishBumpTV]

Gelcoat without wax added will cure, it will just remain tacky on the surface so that following layers of material will bond to it. This is something that many people seem to be confused about. When you add a second layer of unwaxed gelcoat over your first layer it will fully cure the tackyness on the first layer. Then if you add wax in your last coat, it will cure tack free. I hope this helps, but I will try to make another gelcoat video discussing this topic. Thanks for watching!

[@JoshOBar]

Thank you for the clear and concise answer. Makes perfect sense to me now thank you!!

[@hannesaltenfelder4302]

22:57 what about epoxy based gelcoats like resinpal 2304?

[@FishBumpTV]

I am not aware of that product, as far as I know all the gelcoats we have available to us are polyester based. If the product you are talking about is epoxy based, then it should in theory work great. I hope this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@conniemuller2064]

Thank you for your videos. I am still mystified if I can use gelcoat over a epoxy repaired deck! I need to add. I am asking because epoxy laminating is not UV protected. So what do I put over it to finish off?

[@SkunkcapFreddie]

not to say you can't but the bond strength isn't great and there is the possible risk of delamination. on a large surface area with only small areas repaired in epoxy you might be ok but otherwise it would be worth considering using a high strength marine paint (epoxy primer & 2k urethane or similar) or deck flooring (eva matting). there are epoxy compatible polyesters gelcoats on the market but the epoxy repair would need to be fresh for the gelcoat to make a chemical bond

[@FishBumpTV]

I don't recommend using gelcoat over epoxy, you can have curing and bonding issues between the 2 materials. We use a epoxy primer and a marine paint finish over the epoxy in our shop. I hope this helps and thanks for Watching!

[@Junkuroni]

I have a 1984 holiday mansion im restoring myself. How do I know what fiberglass resin was used in original build so I can match on repairs?

[@FishBumpTV]

It is almost guaranteed to be a polyester laminating resin. I really like vinyl Ester resins on most repairs on polyester resin hulled boats. It is always best to do some testing with different materials to see what works best for you. I hope this helps , and thanks for watching

[@Junkuroni]

@@FishBumpTV great. Now I know this is a very general and hard to answer question because its dependent on the situation. What website can I go to order small amounts of glass, filler, primer and paint all at once. I wanna do it right but prob don't need the very verytop of the line

[@bmgm3789]

I am trying to paint my boat with gelcoat the same color that you used in your boat 29 commercial look but in my aplicación the Gelcoat is sticky and a lot of dust collector and mark Everywhere so What process are doing wrong Any other product to mix with the gelcoat? Thank you

[@FishBumpTV]

If you are having trouble with gelcoat curing correctly, you always want to check all the basics first. Is the gelcoat fresh? Less than 90 days old. Has it been mixed thoroughly before application. Did you add MEKP also known as hardener at a ratio of 1 to 2 percent to the gelcoat and mix it in thoroughly just before applying it to the boat. Was the surface you gelcoated clean and dry with air Temps between 65 to 85 degrees. Did you add wax solution to the gelcoat on the last coat at a 2 to 3 percent ratio so that it can fully cure tack free. Also if you try to gelcoat over epoxy based resins or fillers the gelcoat might not cure properly. Any one of these could possibly cause a issue with gelcoat curing for you. I also have several different gelcoat videos here on the channel that show gelcoat applied in different ways. It is very important to watch the whole video closely and not skip any steps or you might miss something. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@bmgm3789]

@@FishBumpTV Thank you very much for taking the time to respond, I appreciate it. 👍I'm going to paint again on Tuesday this time I hope it goes well thanks Captain

[@user-uu9ls2ko5g]

What do use if it is structural damage?

[@FishBumpTV]

You would use either fiberglass and resin, or a fiberglass reinforced filler for structural repairs. I have videos here on the channel that talk about different filler options that you might find helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@user-uu9ls2ko5g]

@@FishBumpTV Thank you it will be my first time repair on my bass boat

[@jcthing]

If I used gelcoat with wax for a final coat, but see an area where I would like to add a bit more gelcoat, how do I proceed.? Can I just remove the wax with acetone and rough the area up a bit by sanding?

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, that should work for you just fine. Thanks for watching!

[@AMetalWorks]

I have a major project that I'm working on. It's a repower that required new stringers and tons of mods to the engine room section of the hull. The amount of sanding that we've done over the last 87 days has been pretty intense. I'd like to cut that down after we start doing our final layups of fiberglass. The area is WAY too big to glass everything all at once. I was thinking about laying up sections each day. Day one: That section get's done and we gelcoat over that section right away so we can avoid sanding it. This would be sprayed. Day two: sand a transition point into the layup and gelcoat done the day before. Layup the glass in the new section and then shoot the gelcoat over it right away. Then keep repeating that process until it's finished. What do you think about that plan? If it's doable what would you suggest for the gelcoat process. Would you recommend nonwax coats and then finish with wax on each section? Would you recommend just using nonwax period until the entire area was done and then finish with a final wax coat? Keep in mind that this would be days later. I know when you don't use wax or a PVA that it doesn't like to cure very well. Or lastly, Do you think we should man up and and just do the entire glass work and then just spend days sanding in prep to apply the gelcoat. Thanks for the video and your time.

[@davewheeler5850]

Another awesome video Captain Joe, may I ask should you lightly sand between unwaxed coats or should they remain slightly tacky prior to each additional coat? Thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge and time you’re an absolute legend 👍🇦🇺

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks so much! You can do both. If there are any small imperfections in the gelcoat, it can be lightly sanded or scuffed to remove them after it has had a chance to cure enough to sand lightly. You can also add more coats after it has cured, without sanding as long as no wax was added. I hope this helps, and best of luck with your projects!

[@davewheeler5850]

Thanks Capt Joe you’re a legend 🇦🇺👍

[@georgelewis8904]

Is it possible to tell if your, our boat is epoxy or polyester,

[@FishBumpTV]

It is hard to say for sure, but I can tell you that probably 95 percent of all fiberglass boats ever built are polyester. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@kylerdoran8135]

Can you stack multiple coats of rolled gel with wax?

[@FishBumpTV]

I don't usually recommended stacking coats of waxed gelcoat if possible. You would usually have to sand and wipe down the waxed gelcoat between each coat to ensure a good bond between layers. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@mikejustice1196]

Sanding epoxy first then gel coat with or without wax over it bonds?

[@FishBumpTV]

Applying gelcoat over epoxy can be a problem, sometime it will work and sometimes it will not. I don't usually recommend it. We use polyester or vinyl ester resin if we want to finish with gelcoat and marine paint if using epoxy as a base. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!