We repair gelcoat, blisters, delamination, and damage due to impact. Crazing is an incredibly common issue on modern fiberglass boats, and. Easy ways to repair cracked fiberglass with pictures wikihow. Magicezy hairline fix is a onepart, pretinted available in 10 colors sealant that allows you to complete the repair in seconds without having to grind out the existing damage. Hairline spider cracks must be opened wider and filled with an epoxy filler to be permanently. Most common location for these to occur is on corners and radiuss where the layup of fiberglass is typically thinner, and the amount of resin is usually more than what it should be. Mar 26, 2019 once the gelcoat has fully cured, sand the repair smooth wet sanding works particularly well with gelcoat. Fill the crack with a fair amount of fiberglass epoxy resin, using a plastic applicator. Easy permanent repairs on hairline cracks, small scratches and chips in fiberglass. Using a dremel tool, remove the gelcoat on either edge of the crack, all the way down its length. You may want to apply colored gel coat enamel over the repaired area, so the repair wont be so noticeable.
Repairing hundreds of fiberglass cracks to get ready. Magicezy hairline fix is a onepart, pretinted available in 10 colors sealant that allows you to complete the repair in seconds without having to grind out the. How to repair a fiberglass shower pan in an existing. Stress cracks should always be dish ground and fiberglass laminated using 2 or 3 strips of biaxial cloth with matt sewed on the back. Stress cracks, spider cracks, and hairline cracks in the decks of older boats are, of course, not rare. Hairline spider cracks must be opened wider and filled with an epoxy filler to be permanently repaired. Complications occur when theres damage on a textured surface like diamond nonskid or on a multitone finish. This colored filler comes in 11 popular boat colors and. The number of boats that develop serious blister problems is extremely small. It can also be used for patching up chips, scratches, cracks and even holes in different kinds of vehicles. If you are looking to do some diy gelcoat repairs, this brief primer will help achieve adequate repair. Most boat owners know that doing fiberglass boat repairs is a nightmare.
Although this usually starts off as a matter of cosmetics, in severe cases these surface cracks can grow, deepen, and eventually threaten your boats structural integrity. In many of these repairs, the fiberglass skins are in great shape but need to be peeled off to replace the core. The other repair for spider cracks involves a little more work. Tips with fiberglass and gelcoat repair methods by john gabriel. Seems like if the fiberglass coating underneath was done well, no problem. Unless your boat lives her life dockside cuddled up to a couple of fenders, shes going to get a few scrapes and bruises. Gelcoat blisters wouldnt be more than a cosmetic concern, if theyre treated and not ignored. In this section we will provide guidelines for cosmetic composite repairs, including fiberglass crack repair, fiberglass gel coat repair, and composite repair finishing. Catalyze the gelcoat and brush onto the exposed fiberglass area. How to repair gelcoat, fiberglass boat repair boating magazine. Repairing minor damage to the gelcoat surface of your boat. The cracks are about 18 inch and can only be seen when u are close up to the rv.
There are many ways to repair cracks in fiberglasswhich ones the best. How to repair gelcoat, fiberglass boat repair boating. How to repair a fibreglass crack for beginners youtube. How to repair spider cracks on your fiberglass boat.
Magicezy hairline fix is a revolutionary precolored fiberglass and gelcoat repair product that fixes and colors fine stress cracks spider cracks, and hairline fractures fast. I matched my teal striping on my boat to a tee when it was wet and. Jun 10, 2017 hairline spider cracks must be opened wider and filled with an epoxy filler to be permanently repaired. This resin can be used as a protective surface over the top of fiberglass, or simply as a finish, much like you might varnish a piece of outdoor furniture. Finally, apply a coat of highquality marine polish and your repair is complete. Repairing spider cracks can be far easier to handle once you know what to do. This article will list the materials required and the steps required to apply a coating of gelcoat to your rv and finish it to a high luster finish.
Also, older fiberglass boats tend to have a thicker application of gelcoat which means they are more susceptible to cracking. Buy products related to gelcoat repair kit products and see what customers say about gelcoat repair kit products on free delivery possible on eligible purchases. How to fix cracks in fiberglass gel coat using fiberglass resin. On horizontal surfaces, liquid gelcoat works, but for vertical surfaces, a paste is easier to apply. Grind deeper wider and apply multiple strips if repairing corner rounds followed by specified filler, the same procedure as repairing a deep gouge as shown in the instructional using at least a 3. Start by wiping down the area with acetone and sanding the damaged gelcoat down to the fiberglass. Lets face it, scrapes and cracks happen, but rons expertise in fiberglass guarantees you a professional repair job that will have you looking at your boat in an entirely new light. Not cracks that damage the fiberglass laminate below the gel coat. Heres an easy way to fix and color stress cracks in seconds and its so tough it comes with a 3 year durability guarantee. Fiberglass and gelcoat repair my clean boat lake ozark, mo. Jun 06, 2016 when looking at cracks you may find that there are generally two different types. Apr 08, 2012 this show covers how to repair fiberglass stress cracks on your boat using polyester resin. Magicezy has a range of gelcoat repair products that repair and color damage in seconds.
Heres an easy way to fix and color stress cracks in seconds and its so tough it comes with a 3 year durability guarantee magicezy hairline fix is a revolutionary precolored fiberglass and gelcoat repair product that fixes and colors fine stress cracks spider cracks, and hairline fractures fast in one application. Repairing minor cracks and pits in a fiberglass shower pan can restore the pan to a uniform finish. There are many ways to repair cracks in fiberglass which ones the cracks, spider cracks, and hairline cracks in the decks of older boats are. Previous episodes go over other types of fiberglass repair using west system epoxy. My friend pete shows us how to make a fiberglass paste to repair stress cracks in gel coat. While equipment is important, proper material selection is the key to positive results. Crazing in gelcoat, also known as spider cracks or stress cracks, plagues countless boaters and is an incredibly common issue on modern fiberglass boats. The good news is that spider cracks can be far easier to handle once you know what to do. Surface gelcoat scratches can be buffed with polishing compound, and deeper scratches can be filled. Stress cracks can be identified as longer parallel surface cracks on the hull or deck. For the more adventurous types, you may want to consider purchasing a diy do it yourself gelcoat repair kit. Its a good idea, by the way, to mix up a couple of small batches of gelcoat to help you approximate the color you need. Also, deep gouges may need structural fiberglass work or filler before you repair the gelcoat.
Ab marine magicezy fiberglass and gelcoat repair products. Fiberglass and gelcoat are two different substances that make a firm surface when combined together. Aside from the durable shiny luster gelcoat adds to any fiberglass boat, most owners know little more than wash and wax it frequently. With time, it is possible that gelcoat can become cracked, simply through wear and tear or a specific incidence of damage. Start by wiping down the area with acetone and sanding the damaged gel coat down to the fiberglass. There are several reasons it might need to be repaired. Repairing hundreds of fiberglass cracks to get ready for. How to repair fiberglass on a boat the family handyman. We will be giving basic guidelines on how to do the repair work.
Gelcoat is the protective coating that covers the fiberglass of boats and other watercraft. These are the easiest cracks to fix as theyre not very deep. Using a mixing stick, apply gelcoat to the cracked area. How to repair spider cracks in fiberglass boatlife. If your damage is more serious than this, you will need to take steps to temporarily restore the correct while you make the fiberglass repairs. Repairing hairline cracks and how to do repair gelcoat. Untended wet decks, gelcoat damage, blisters and cracks will destroy the value of your boat. You can start with 220grit sandpaper and, for a really slick surface, finish with at least 400 or 600grit. Gelcoat is a dangerous, toxic substance used to waterproof, seal and bring a shine to things that are made out of fiberglass or wood.
A common fiberglass repair is replacing damaged core, often because of water absorption. Below is the recommended repair process for cracks that go deeper than the gelcoat, but dont cause a large, gaping hole or change the overall shape of the surface. Gel coat repair series cosmetic scratches or cracks. In this post, we are going to focus on scratches and cracks that are strictly cosmetic. Heres everything youll need to know to repair these cracks. The easiest repair method is to sand the surface heavily and roll on two coats of epoxy primer followed by two coats of twopart linear. Diy or not stress cracks, dock dings and other minor injuries arent difficult to repair yourself. Basically this widens the gap and reveals the fiberglass layer beneath. Weve put together an easy to follow guide specifically aimed at those new to fibreglass. Theres no need to buy a multipart gelcoat repair kit or gelcoat putty, or mix nasty epoxy resins nor is there any need for grinding or buffing.
Oct 11, 2017 repairing hundreds of fiberglass cracks to get ready for spraying awlgrip paint. Magicezy hairline fix snow white in one application. Gelcoat can be applied either by rolling or by spraying. Magicezy has developed a range of worldfirst gelcoat repair products that repair and color damage in seconds. Step 4 as soon as the crack has been channeled out, wipe it clean with a solvent like acetone and, using a plastic putty knife, flushfill it with gelcoat matched to the color of the surrounding area if the channel isnt too deep.
Carefully apply masking tape, lifting back to ensure that no air pockets have been trapped in the gelcoat. He has talked to 2 repair places in ca and one said that the fiberglass was not fully cured whaen the paint was applied and out gassing occured as it cured and this caused the paint to crack which caused the gelcoat to crack. How to fix spider cracks in fiberglass it still runs. The gel coat cracks are simply cracks in the cosmetic layer thats put over the top to keep the rv looking shiny. Gelcoat is a fiberglass resin that has had a pigment added to it. If the surface of your boat looks like a cracked eggshell, the gelcoat is suffering from crazing sometimes called alligatoring. A prior owner had fixed a few with evercoat gel coat scratch patch gel coat repair, with ugly results. Heres some info to help you decide when to call in a pro. Bonding the original skin back onto the new core can save significant time and money.
It can be difficult to diagnose spider cracks, especially when youre not aware of them. Our satisfied clients and our years of experience in the restoration of gelcoat and fiberglass guarantee our work. The topic of gelcoat is often a mystifying subject for boat owners. Fiberglass boat repair, gelcoat repair, boat blister repair. When you get a gouge or a scratch in the gelcoat of your fiberglass, you will have to clean it up by grinding or sanding before you can repair it. Magic fix for hairline cracks in gelcoat practical sailor. Tips with fiberglass and gelcoat repair methods by john. Repairing a fibreglass crack doesnt have to be daunting. When the area is dry, smooth the surface with sandpaper. Repair fiberglass boats, bathtubs, shower stalls and hot tubs. Repairing hundreds of fiberglass cracks to get ready for spraying. This show covers how to repair fiberglass stress cracks on your boat using polyester resin. Repairing hundreds of fiberglass cracks to get ready for spraying awlgrip paint.
How to fix a hole on a fiberglass boat complete diy guide. I repaire a chip in my gelcoat and the following cracks using this kit. Products include 9 second chip fix, hairline fix and mega fusion. Try not to remove any of the fiberglass resin or cloth. Fiberglass laminating and gelcoat repair video, tips and repair methods to avoid, spraying gelcoat with styrene, wax additive or patch booster are out of date.
Fixing fiberglass cracks keeping fiberglass solid june 6, 2016 in rv counsel by hamiltons rv crack is whack, especially when its in your rvs fiberglass. If your fiberglass repair is not too big, you can get away with buying a repair kit to fix the problem yourself. Boatus magazines mark corke takes you through the steps necessary to repair gelcoat on your own boat. Sometimes, theyre merely cosmetic, meaning they dont penetrate the gelcoat. A fiberglass and gelcoat repair is mostly needed for mending the surfaces of boats. How to fix crazing in gelcoat, also known as spider cracks or stress cracks which. Also, we paint boats ask any surveyor or boat broker. While large cracks often indicate problems that patching may not correct, minor repairs are. Nov 12, 2017 boatus magazines mark corke takes you through the steps necessary to repair gelcoat on your own boat. The cracking has stemmed from a crack below the gelcoat and in the fiberglass.
Repairing hairline cracks and how to do repair gelcoat magicezy. Specializing in fiberglass repair, ron can have your boat looking better than new. Just fill in the crack, let is set and scrape off the excess with the enclosed spreader. How to repair gelcoat, chips, scrapes and gouges yourself. Repair cracks and scrapes, gelcoat blisters, loose hardware, delaminated decks and panels, damaged keels and holes up to 1. One quick and easy way to repair gelcoat stress cracks yourself is by using magicezy hairline fix a purpose built diy repair solution for stress cracks in gelcoat and fiberglass.
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