Finishing cut edges of fibreglass panel

Poey50

Poey50

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I'm converting the gas drain arrangements of our Sadler 32.

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I'm going to cut the cover (which is currently a single piece covering top and side of the locker) and use the cut piece to seal up the side of the locker so it is only the top that hinges upwards. (Plus fit a drain from bottom of locker to a new skin fitting.) The reason for the post is that I''m not sure of how to go about making good the cut edges with gelcoat.
 
Proper gelcoat is fiddly to work with and your picture seems to indicate that the GRP is reasonably old, so it is going to be difficult to get a decent colour match. On that basis, I think I would use Plastic Padding Gelcoat Filler - it's a lot easier to work with and the result is not going to be any worse.

Do the major surgery and epoxy things back together, making sure that the join is a bit recessed to make room for the filler. If necessary, grind it back a couple of mm. with a Dremel or similar and feather the edges of the join out a few mm. Apply masking tape on the untouched GRP either side of the rough material - you will make it much easier to get a good finish that way. Then mix up the PP Gelcoat Filler according to the instructions and apply it, smoothing back to the masking tape. It is a lot easier to get a decent finish using an artist's pallet knife than it is using the stiff plastic tools that are supplied with the epoxy and filler kits.

Don't try to finish it off completely in a single application - bring it close to level with one application, let it harden a bit, then top it off with a thin layer. Let the whole lot harden off properly, then remove the masking tape and smooth it off using wet and dry, working down to the finest grade. You'll probably want to give it a final polishing with a buffing compound.
 
Poey50 said:
Hmm ... also helpful. Just looked up Seals Direct and deffo some suitable stuff there. Thank you.
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i was thinking that its a lot of faff to do the gel work, even just form a good edge form poly/filler and paint etc. Ally Profile and sikalfex and jobs done in no time and will look as good if not better.
 
If you do decide to go down the epoxy/gelcoat path, read the instructions carefully relating to temperature. I have a big GRP job to do, filling in the holes in an instrument panel as a result of an electronics upgrade. But I'm waiting till next spring - the minimum working temperature for standard epoxies is ten or fifteen degrees and I could find myself with the job half done and unable to complete it if winter finally sets in. At the moment I've plated it up with a bit of Dibond.
 
Poey50 said:
I might go rubber as the sealing properties and cushioning effect if the lid gets lowered a bit hard would be useful. Some good stuff here ... http://www.sealsdirect.co.uk/shopping.asp?intDepartmentId=71
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even easier and quicker job. that place is great, easy to work website aswell, some places are a nightmare to get through and find things. Never failed to find what i need on there. The have a ebay shop also if you use ebay, shop click done ;)
 
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