Gelcoat chip

Xavier

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Hello everyone,

I recently noticed some small scratches and a chip in the gelcoat of my boat, a 1999 Grady White Bimini 306. I have a few questions and would appreciate your advice and feedback on the repair process:

  1. Where can I find gelcoat that matches the original color of my boat?
    • My boat has a specific color, and I want the repair to be as seamless as possible. If anyone knows a good source for matching gelcoat, I would appreciate the recommendation.
  2. Is the repair process complicated?
    • It looks relatively simple in the videos I've seen, but I'd like to hear from those with experience. Is it as straightforward as it appears? Are there any tips or common pitfalls to be aware of?
Thank you in advance for your advice and shared experiences.

Best regards, Xavier
 

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Hookup1

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Spectrum sells color matched GW repair kits base on your model year. Process is easy but your gelcoat has sunbleached and is very white compared to the original. You can go with white and get a brown tint and try to match yourself.

 
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Xavier

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I would like to polish it because the gelcoat is very oxidized. do you think the original color will come back?
 

Hookup1

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I would like to polish it because the gelcoat is very oxidized. do you think the original color will come back?
Nope!

Take something off that masks the gelcoat. A nav light, cockpit light, even the dome light at the helm. Look at the color difference. GW has a little brown tint in it. This bleaches out. You are probably better off with a plain white gelcoat. Do some color testing first. Wet sand, compound and wax the repaired area and it should look pretty good.
 
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Xavier

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thanks
yes i can see the original color under the gunnels .
i bought 2oz past from spectrum , and i will make a try.
 

Don Davis

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thanks
yes i can see the original color under the gunnels .
i bought 2oz past from spectrum , and i will make a try.
I have some small nicks as well in my gel coat but I didn’t see where you can purchase just the 2oz paste, I could only see the quart size for $375 that looks like it comes with the 2oz paste. I’m up in Canada so I wonder if it’s a different website with different options.
 

Hookup1

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I have some small nicks as well in my gel coat but I didn’t see where you can purchase just the 2oz paste, I could only see the quart size for $375 that looks like it comes with the 2oz paste. I’m up in Canada so I wonder if it’s a different website with different options.
 

trapper

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Don, this is where I ordered mine, staying on this side of the border makes shipping just a little more friendly.

 

Don Davis

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Don, this is where I ordered mine, staying on this side of the border makes shipping just a little more friendly.

Awesome thanks for that, much appreciated! Yes us Canucks sure get hosed on some of the US shipping costs.
 

SeanC

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I would put a stainless steel plate where the big chip is because otherwise the chain will continue to chip the gel coat.IMG_1284-compressed.jpeg
 
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Xavier

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that's a realy good idea, where i can find this plate?