How to Repair Gelcoat Cracks How to Repair Gelcoat Cracks Gelcoat is a fiberglass resin that has had a pigment added to it. 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. With time, it is possible that gelcoat can become cracked, simply through wear and tear or a specific incidence of damage. It is possible to fix a crack in gelcoat easily, as it can be sanded over. If you feel like giving this repair a go and have some experience with home improvement techniques, follow a few simple rules to help you complete this job. Carefully sand the crack or cracks. Using sandpaper, you should be able to sand thoroughly into the depths of the crack so that the edges are smooth. You should add a layer of scuffing to the cracks at a wider point than you would need. The next thing to so is to carefully sand the surface of the repair using a rag and some acetone solvent. Wipe away any other dirt and debris that is laying close to the crack.

Step 2 - Mixing the Gelcoat Before you add the gelcoat to the cracks, you will need to protect the area around them using painter's tape. This tape will peel away without sticking, so you can remove it without worrying that you may be damaging fiberglass resin beneath it. The tape will help to ensure that your fresh layer of resin doesn't go too far across the surface. Now that the cracks are ready, mix your gelcoat repair kit and the hardener together. Take care that they are completely mixed together, otherwise the hardener and gel coat will not set properly, and you will be left with a sticky mess for weeks. Step 3 - Adding the Gelcoat Once you have mixed the components together, apply them to the surface using your roller. Be sure to roll backwards and forwards in an even stroke, so that you don't put too much of the coat in one place. You may cover the cracks with just one application, but make sure that the product is sunk completely into the cracks before you consider that you have finished.

If the gel coat does not completely cover the coat in one stroke, you should allow the first coat to harden into a sticky lump before applying a second mix. Once you are satisfied that it is completely saturating the gaps, leave the resin to harden. Step 4 - Finishing Once the resin is hard, you can take the sandpaper to the top, and smooth over the edges of the fiberglass until it forms a completely even surface with the surrounding parts. Remove the masking tape and sand down the sides there so that you have a flat edge. You may also like to buff the surface of the resin in order to give it a more uniform appearance, matching the rest of the fiberglass on your boat. How Much is Fiberglass and Gelcoat Repair?Address bathtub cracks as soon as possible to keep them from spreading. Fiberglass serves as a strong and durable alternative to traditional ceramic or metal tubs and showers. Tubs with insufficient support or those subject to heavy use and abuse can develop unsightly cracks over time.

Left untreated, these hairline cracks can develop into larger or deeper openings in the walls or floor of the tub. A basic fiberglass repair kit allows you to fix these cracks before they can grow into larger problems down the line. Apply household cleaner to a rag or sponge and use it to clean area around the crack. Rinse with water and wipe dry with a rag or towel. Sand the area around the hairline crack lightly using a fine grit sandpaper. Cheap Puppies For Sale In Jonesboro ArBrush away sanding dust using a rag. Cavapoo Puppies For Sale In Southern CaliforniaPaint the crack using the fiberglass adhesive or bonding agent from your fiberglass repair kit. Puppies For Sale In Lexington NeUse the brush that comes with the kit or choose a small paint brush.

Cover the inside of the crack as well as a 1-inch space around the damaged section. Allow the bonding agent to dry according to the package directions before proceeding. Fill the crack with fiberglass filler. Apply the filler with a putty knife, then scrape the surface of the tub with the knife to remove excess putty around the crack. Allow the putty to dry completely before continuing with the repair. Sand the patched area using a fine grit sandpaper. Continue sanding until the patched area sits flush with the rest of the surrounding tub surface. Wipe away sanding dust using a rag or sponge. Mix the epoxy gel coat from your repair kit. Use a paint brush to apply the gel coat to the patched area. Paint the crack itself, as well as a 2-inch section around the crack. Cut a piece of fiberglass cloth to fit the painted area. Press the cloth into the wet epoxy gel coat using your hands. Gently run your putty knife across the fiberglass cloth to remove air bubbles and ensure the cloth is smooth and flat against the tub wall.

Paint the fiberglass cloth with a second coat of epoxy gel coat. Apply the finish coat or sealer that came with your repair kit using a paint brush. Things You Will Need Household cleaner Rag or sponge Sandpaper Fiberglass repair kit Scissors Paint brush Warning References West System Inc: Fiberglass Tub and Shower RepairPool and Spa Service Industry News: Fiberglass Offers Repair and Refinishing Alternative Photo Credits Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a Correction Bondo All-Purpose Fiberglass Resin Item # 331529 Model # 20124 Designed for tub, shower, sink, pool, hot tub, boat repair, and more Provides long-lasting structural strength when used with Bondo Fiberglass Cloth or Mat Compatible with all paints and gel coats Can be used on multiple surfaces including concrete, wood, fiberglass, metal and more Unit of Measure QuantityThe products listed below may contain additional information viewable by clicking on the item image. Products which have a button contain variables such as size or color and by clicking on the product image you will be able to view additional information as well as the options available for purchase.