replacing gel coat
			 
			 
			
		
		
		
			
			Thanks Barry, that's a lot more than two cents worth of advise. Sounds like I'd be in over my head. I'm probably gonna need a pro 
for this. 
 
Te 
 
"Barry"  wrote in message   om... 
  Anyone out there had any experience replacing a gel coat exterior ? 
 
 Sorry...I was a bit late to your post.  Gelcoat can be painted with 
 gelcoat.  It's a process similar to painting automotive lacquer.  It's 
 probably an easier solution for you at this point although it will 
 require a lot of sanding and possibly filler in the deep scratches. 
 The trick for the gelcoat is the use of a reducer specifically 
 designed to "air dry" the gelcoat.  Acetone or lacquer thinner will 
 not work and the only way you can get the reducer (in small quantity) 
 is from a shop than actually works with fiberglass.  I use a mix of 
 1.5% hardener and 5% reducer when I work with repairs and it seems to 
 do very well for me.  Once it hardens, it will require color sanding 
 with a fine grit paper (400 to 600) and machine buffing.  At that 
 point...it looks the same and has the same durability as it did when 
 it came from the mold.  Just my two cents. 
 
 
		 
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
	
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