What grit sandpaper for gelcoat repair. The pigments can be intermixed to achieve various shades.

What grit sandpaper for gelcoat 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. Remove loose gel and bevel the edges of the scratches with a utility knife. Apr 16, 2012 · Re: Oxidized Gelcoat. A courser grit gives a better repair, particularly with dark colors. In this video, we reveal the ultimate gelcoat polishing hacks that will give your surfaces a perfect shine! Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional Apr 19, 2022 · Learn how to repair fiberglass gelcoat on your boat with our comprehensive guide. I always See full list on westmarine. Clean the fiberglass with soap and water and wipe it down with a rag soaked in acetone, and immediately removing it with a clean dry rag. com What’s the proper sanding and wet-sanding grit progression to finish gel coat before buffing? What’s the proper sanding and wet-sanding grit progression to finish gel coat before buffing? Confirm cure & film build: Only sand fully cured gel coat. Feb 18, 2012 · Re: Wet Sanding Gelcoat - Making sure I'm doing it right Thanks. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this video will guide you through the sanding process step-by-step. The pigments can be intermixed to achieve various shades. May 13, 2025 · Gelcoat is the protective coating that covers the fiberglass of boats and other watercraft. Sand the area to be filled with 100 or 220 grit sandpaper. View on Temu May 15, 2025 · Gelcoat is a specialized coating that is applied to fiberglass boats to protect them from the elements. The first step is to clean the surface of the boat with Jul 28, 2025 · Wet sanding gelcoat is a process that helps restore the shine and luster of gelcoat surfaces. Once the fill area is level or contoured to the desired shape, sand with 100 grit paper to remove the course scratches from 40 or 80 grit. Gel-coat requires working up to 2000 grit for sprayed or brushed Jun 10, 2024 · Learn how to repair and maintain your boat's gelcoat with our comprehensive guide. Use a buffer to restore the gelcoat’s glossy finish. Dec 8, 2023 · Repairing the gel coat on your boat isn't as challenging as you think. Set the speed of the dual action sander at 900 – 1100 Max. Again, use 400-grit and then 600-grit wet-sanding sandpaper (you can start with 220-grit first, if the repair surface is very uneven), along with a sanding block, to ensure a smooth finish. Feb 19, 2024 · Gelcoat Guides/FAQ's GEL COAT MIXING INSTRUCTIONS 1. What grit should my final sanding be before I spray gelcoat? Im going to 120 right now. Here's how to make a seamless repair on vertical surfaces. Color Matching Tips for Invisible Repairs Finishing the Repair Sanding: Start with 150-grit sandpaper to level the gel coat with the surrounding surface. Jun 7, 2025 · For this article, we’ll focus on minor scrapes, scratches, and chips that don’t penetrate the fiberglass. Feb 3, 2010 · Sand the area using a fine grit sandpaper and palm sander; sand thoroughly until the surface becomes dull, leaving little or no trace of the old gelcoat. Our technicians suggest using Dykem Steel Blue Dye to be really thorough. Depending on time between layups, you may need to sand with 80 to 100 grit between layers. Jan 27, 2025 · Discover all you need to know about marine gel coat repair from a boat expert. In this guide, we’ll break down every step you need to know—from grit selection to wet sanding techniques—so you can Part 1 of this video can be found here? • GELCOAT and FIBERGLASS HOW-TO- Repair EVE GelCoat Repair, PART 2. Applied 'dye' to surface and sanded with 220 then 320 till dye disappeared. • NOTE: Exact Sep 12, 2025 · With the right sanding sequence, your boat’s gelcoat can look brand new again. I started with a buffer and 3m compound/wax mixture, I also have a product called PolyGlo. [2] Never sand all the way through the gelcoat into the fiberglass itself. Explore our medium sheets, fine grits, and ultra-fine papers to tackle any marine restoration project. You can sand down the affected area and apply new gelcoat to blend seamlessly with the surrounding surface. g. (Acetone is highly flammable and should be treated with care. In most cases, you should just be able to start with 120 grit, then 400 grit and finish with 600 grit. Sanding and Polishing for That Perfect Shine The final stage involves wet sanding the repaired area with finer grits (800 to 2000) and applying a polishing compound. May 9, 2017 · Assuming, of course, you’ve got enough gelcoat to sand. 2. , This guide gives you everything you need to know about how to repair gel coat surfaces on your boat. Progress to 400-grit and then 600-grit wet Gelcoat is formulated so the surface remains tacky until the fiberglass and resin is applied when the boat is originally made. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots. This causes 2 Dec 1, 2010 · A larger repair area ensures that the repair can be feathered into the surrounding gel coat for a completely invisible repair. This article guides you through each step, from selecting the right sandpaper grit to ensuring a clean surface. Choose the type of scratch that you have below and follow the instructions. Mask the parts you want to not paint. Wipe away sanding dust with a tack cloth. Next, mix a solution in a container and apply a thickening mixture to the affected area using gloved hands. It can suffer damage over time, however, and may need to be repaired. You should be able to look into the reflection of the gelcoat and see the hairs on your face. Nov 17, 2023 · Boat gel coat repair typically involves several key steps. I would think that a 400 grit wet/dry sanding of the surface is what you want. Leave the gel coat to harden overnight, then use sandpaper to smooth out the surface, starting with 400 grit paper and gradually increasing to finer grits up to 1500. Always use a sanding block instead of your fingers to ensure even pressure. Sand the cured jelly with 80-grit sandpaper before priming. ) Apr 19, 2022 · And finally, use 80-grit sandpaper to remove loose chips of gelcoat and smooth out the bevel around the damaged area. RPM. Remember to use a soft interface pad when sanding with the 800 grit abrasive. What if the fiberglass underneath the gel coat isn’t cured? Jan 29, 2025 · Mastering the art of sanding fiberglass for paint is essential for a flawless finish. Sanding Sand gelcoat surface with 800 grit abrasive on a dual action sander. Cover it with painter's tape and allow time Mar 15, 2007 · Re: Wet Sanding Gelcoat It can depend on the type of gel coat and how smooth (or rough) the orange peel is. For structural fiberglass repairs, sand deeply into the resin layer with coarse grits before laying new mat or cloth. Remove excess grease or fine particles off of the area by running a rag soaked in acetone over it. Apply the gel coat using a brush, building it up slightly above the surrounding gel coat. Discover the best practices for using compound gelcoat to address scratches, cracks, and blistering, ensuring a polished and durable finish. You will not get a fine finish with courser sandpaper. Clean the area with acetone upon completion. Starting with 100 to 150 grit sandpaper, use a sanding block and smooth the bulging repaired area level with the surface while making every attempt to sand only the repair and not the hull itself. You should not be able to dent it with your fingernail. When sanding, abrade the surface with a 50% overlap on each pass with a dual action sander. I don't recall seeing anything finer than 220 for it, but if I can find 400 or so, should I give that a whirl or stick with hand sanding? Should I forget more sanding and just get the rotary buffer and Jan 18, 2024 · Sanding a fiberglass boat is crucial in restoring the surface and ensuring strong paint or gelcoat adhesion. There are gelcoat repair kits available that make the process relatively easy. For finishing work, plan on working up to 220 grit for painted surfaces. Whether you’re prepping for refinishing, fixing oxidation, or repairing small imperfections, sanding the hull properly makes all the difference in the outcome. I have a 5" random orbital sander. Gel coat repair kits, scratch patch kits, gel coat paste, fiberglass repair kits come with everything you need for small repairs. […] Feb 18, 2025 · Sand the fiberglass using a coarse-grit sandpaper. The wax will be gone by this time, but wipe the hull with acetone to remove any moisture or oil. The only indication of a repair will be whatever colour difference remains. Aug 25, 2025 · For gel coat restoration, continue sanding up to 600–1000 grit before polishing. Jan 5, 2011 · Finishing your Gelcoat Application: If you’re using our Professional Grade Exterior Gelcoat, you’ll be ready to sand and buff your freshly gelcoated surface once it has cured to a hard surface. I think you need to determine how bad your oxidation is. Buff and polish your new gel coat to a professional-looking finish. The buffer was not enough on mine, I am Dec 17, 2024 · Before you gelcoat fiberglass, fill in any cracks or gouges with a polyester filler and then sand the damaged areas down with 80-grit sandpaper. Finishing the Gelcoat Repair When the gelcoat paste is fully cured, it’s time to wet-sand the area smooth. This step is crucial for making the repair invisible to the eye. Achieve a professional finish using basic tools and protect your boat from further damage. For smaller areas or areas with intricate curves, a rubber sanding block works well to follow the shape of the piece. Before making a spray patch, sand the area to be sprayed by hand. What did I do wrong? What steps do you Jul 25, 2025 · Start with 240 grit sandpaper (#968-A 3M™ Wetordry™ Sandpaper) and gradually move to 600 grit sandpaper with each successive sanding. Follow the wet sand with a fast-cut, coarse-grit rubbing compound. Then wipe everything with acetone. This can be followed by a medium- or fine-grit compound; if the boat is less than three years old or the oxidation is only mild, you can go straight to a medium- or fine-grit compound. After sanding, wipe away any residue and buff the area with a compound polish at a slow Sanding Existing Gel Coat: You want to sand the surface to make a mechanical bond to the gel coat. Sand the area with 80-120 grit sandpaper to remove loose gelcoat and roughen the surface. Learn the best techniques, common mistakes, top products, and how Novelli Boats leads the future of boating with advanced technology and AI. Feb 19, 2018 · Sanding Gelcoat can be a daunting task! In this article we will; Tell you when sanding is necessary Tell you the process. Fine Sanding and Polishing: Use 220-grit wet/dry sandpaper with a trickle of water to remove scratches. , small repair), start with finer grits to avoid burn-through. Gel Coat Repair Instructions The method you should use for fixing scratches on your boat depends on the depth of the scratch. Apply Gel coat. Sep 7, 2025 · How to Sand Marine Gelcoat for Repairs & Refinishing Wide Grit Sandpaper Sheets Set Cuttable wet and dry sandpaper sheets in wide grit range for sanding and polishing wood, metal, and automotive parts. Sand the area in and around the scratch using 220 grit sandpaper until the shine is removed. Often, you will start with 40 grit to even out the damaged area and provide a regular shape to the repair area. After it hardens, sand it smooth with progressively finer grits. $30 to $50) Sandpaper (400-600 grit) Rubbing compound Gelcoat wax or polish Fine applicator (plastic putty knife or brush) Acetone or a solvent cleaner Buffing pad and electric buffer (optional Nov 18, 2013 · I think the video pretty much explains everything. Aug 26, 2025 · With the correct grit sequence, you can restore smoothness and prepare for coatings that last. Buffed with 3M finishing compound and all looked well until I caught a glimpse at an angle showing sanding marks. Enough Gel Coat should be added to a plastic mixing cup to make all repairs. This may entail some testing to get the right gel coat color. Begin wet sanding with the finest grit that will remove orange peel in the re-sprayed area. Jul 10, 2025 · Learn boat gelcoat repair with our expert guide. Applying the gelcoat to your jet ski, wave runner Oct 13, 2006 · Recently had the need to spray a large area with gelcoat as the final step in repair. When sanding areas that have been filled with putty we suggest using 40 or 80 grit sandpaper, depending on how large the repair is. A poorly bonded patch will peel of when sanded. Wash, clean, and degrease the repair area with a marine cleaner and rinse thoroughly. Step-by-Step Gelcoat Repair Process Tools and Materials Needed: Gelcoat repair kit (approx. 80 grit is a good place to start with no more than 120 grit on lighter colors. If you are doing a small repair then start with 400 then go to 600 and on up, many times you don't need to go past 600 though. Prepare your fiberglass surfaces with confidence and ensure optimal paint adherence for Jul 31, 2025 · Allow the gelcoat to cure according to the product instructions. Everyone here seems to be using wax on thier final coat. Get your boat looking good as new and back on the water. We'll show you how to fix chips, scratches, and cracks for a flawless, factory-new finish. Re-dyed the surface again, then sanded with 600 then 800 until dye was removed. If so, mix approximately 1 part pigment to 20 parts gel coat. Sep 21, 2010 · Don't sand the gel coat off, just use 80 grit sand paper and make sure the entire surface has been sanded, no shiny spots can be left. Clean the area with acetone or lacquer thinner. One of the six basic colors may match the gel coat. Are you going to need to cover the wet gel coat with plastic to help it cure? Repairing scrapes in your hull isn't as difficult as you'd think. These kits usually contain a sealant, sandpaper, and a putty knife, among other things. Apr 14, 2014 · Im sanding down the old paint on my boat to get to original gel. Sand with 220 grit sandpaper to remove 100 grit scratches, followed by 320 grit and then 400 grit, in progression, until smooth. Discover effective tools, safety tips, and detailed techniques for achieving a smooth, professional look. May 26, 2023 · I just used 80 grit sandpaper because I also forgot to put the pigment in the gel coat so I had to put a coat of white paint over the repair. DESCRIPTION This repair system utilizes the same original product manufacturing materials for repairing gelcoat baths and showers This system can be used to repair surface cracks, air pockets, chips, gouges, burns, and other types of minor damage. However, try to avoid using the light scratch Feb 2, 2024 · Ease of Repair: If your boat’s gelcoat gets scratched or damaged, it’s relatively easy to repair. First, prepare the damaged area by removing loose gel coat pieces and cleaning the surface thoroughly. If you have any Q's on what was covered please leave a comment below :-) Thanks for watching! Aug 23, 2024 · The ultimate tutorial to repair a chip in your boat's gel coat without a kit. Aug 15, 2015 · Dry sanding is possible; however, the paper will clog extremely fast requiring minute to minute change out. For the first sanding pass, use either 80 or 100-grit sandpaper. If the area is under filled or imperfections exist, repeat filling procedure until satisfactory. I am restoring an 89 Sea Sprite that had oxidized from candy apple red to pink. Wet Sanding, Polishing, and Waxing to a like New Factory Finish. Power sanders can also be used but require careful handling. It will come up shiny and smooth like the rest of your gelcoat. Also when i have shot gelcoat in the past I used no wax and coated with pva. . Best way to repair question. Keep your boat looking new and protected with expert tips and step-by-step instructions. Make sure damaged areas are clean and free of dirt, grease and wax, etc. With the waxed paper cup the repair will harden without the surface staying sticky. That isn't happening. I saw in another post where I should be getting color on the sandpaper. Sanding the area insures a good mechanical bond of the spray patch to the part. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface and remove any hard edges. Oct 19, 2022 · Then wet sand with a medium-grit paper to remove any paint that may be on top of your boat's gel coat and prevent further damage from occurring in this area--make sure not too overdo it! Apply Gelcoat Paste Match the color Gelcoat Paste to the color of the hull applying. The gelcoat resin will be color matched to the original manufacturer’s color, if it is provided to Multi-Tech Products at the time of purchase. If the film is thin (e. The smaller the grit the Nov 14, 2006 · Re: Painting over gel coat Emerger, Sand the gel coat with gradually finer sandpaper until you get to 400 grit wet paper. This will avoid unnecessary sanding scratches For the initial wet sanding of new gelcoat, I start with 220 grit wet/dry paper on a hard rubber block, concentrating on taking down the high spots and blending the new material into the keel line. Probably why dry sanding clogs the paper so fast with paint and gel coat, etc. is because the 'dry' action causes strong electro-static (van der Waals) forces to build up at the molecular level and which firmly traps the particles 'between' the peaks of the grit. This guide explains how to sand gelcoat step by step using 80, 150, 220, and 400 grit sandpaper. Sanding: Once the repaired area is fully cured, remove the Mylar release film. With paint, repairs can be more noticeable and may require repainting larger sections for a uniform appearance. Do a light sanding with 220-grit, then progress to 400-grit and 600-grit, maybe even 1000-grit, then work it over with a cutting compound. Jun 8, 2022 · If you notice any of these, make sure to get them repaired before applying gelcoat. Properly prime and use a two part polyurethane suitable for below the waterline Sep 25, 2007 · Re: Best Prep For Re-gel Coating? Yoy should check the direction on the gel coat. Mount the sandpaper to a long sanding board for large, flat components. Begin sanding with a 220 grit sanding pad, working your way up to finer grits (400 and 800 grit) for a smooth finish. You may have heard of additives like “sanding aid” or putting tape, PVA and waxed paper over the repair. When is it necessary to Sand Gelcoat? When you gelcoat is oxidized, or faded. If you try the light scratch instructions and find the scratch is too deep to sand out, then you should proceed to the deep scratch instructions. Leave the cleaning to the guy doing the gel coat job, it needs to be done right before its sprayed. The PolyGlo instructions have me wet sanding with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper.