Fairing gelcoat below waterline

[morgandlm]

I have just had the hull of my Sadler 26 cleaned of anti-foul by a contractor using the Farrow system. Am very pleased with the results and delighted to get rid of what was an awful build up of old, scabby anti-foul. However cleaning the hull has highlighted a few areas where the gelcoat is a little thin. What should I use to "butter on" to build up a little more gel coat thickness and fair the hull.

Grateful for any advice.
Morgan

 

[sailorman]

I have just had the hull of my Sadler 26 cleaned of anti-foul by a contractor using the Farrow system. Am very pleased with the results and delighted to get rid of what was an awful build up of old, scabby anti-foul. However cleaning the hull has highlighted a few areas where the gelcoat is a little thin. What should I use to "butter on" to build up a little more gel coat thickness and fair the hull.

Grateful for any advice.
Morgan

Gelshield or similar

 

[VicS]

I have just had the hull of my Sadler 26 cleaned of anti-foul by a contractor using the Farrow system. Am very pleased with the results and delighted to get rid of what was an awful build up of old, scabby anti-foul. However cleaning the hull has highlighted a few areas where the gelcoat is a little thin. What should I use to "butter on" to build up a little more gel coat thickness and fair the hull.

Grateful for any advice.
Morgan

If all the antifouling has been removed now is the time to consider an epoxy coating such as Gelshield200

 

[Caer Urfa]

However cleaning the hull has highlighted a few areas where the gelcoat is a little thin. What should I use to "butter on" to build up a little more gel coat thickness and fair the hull.

Grateful for any advice.
Morgan

Hi Morgan

I have used International paints Gelcoat 200 to recoat my hull (5 coats) on my boat 2 years ago and it's excellant stuff, but it's not cheap for 2 1/2 Litre tins.

However I did some research for a group member and have a look at Jotun Penguard HB http://www.smlmarinepaints.co.uk/primers/two-pack/penguard-hb
We have checked the specifications with Jotun paints and it will do the job just as good BUT at more than half the price.

Likewise I have used International Micron Extra antifoul for more years than I can remember but again this year changing to Jotun Seaqueen http://www.smlmarinepaints.co.uk/antifouling/seaqueen

Again the specification and recommendations are good and you get 5 Litres for less then the money of 2 1/2 Litres tin of Micron Extra

Hope this helps.

Mike

PS: I have no connection whatsoever with Jotun or SML paints, just a happy pensioner!!

 

[William_H]

gel coat thin

As said use epoxy or even a polyurethane paint. They make a far better mechanical bond.
Do not try to use actual gel coat as in polyester resin. This does not stick (so well) to the now well hardened base material (fibre glass). It only works during manufacture when a chemical bond is made with the uncured resin.
As said give the whole hull coats of epoxy.
good luck olewill