Gelcoat Filler Cracks

S

smithy

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 Apr 2011
Messages
367
Location
Glasgow
Visit site
I noticed today that some old cleat bolt holes that I had filled a couple of years ago were starting to show again. On closer inspection the plastic padding gelcoat filler I had used has cracked around the edge. The holes had been filled with thickend epoxy and countersunk. They were nearly invisible before and there is no flexing in the panel.
Anyone suggest what went wrong before I redo?
 
smithy said:
I noticed today that some old cleat bolt holes that I had filled a couple of years ago were starting to show again. On closer inspection the plastic padding gelcoat filler I had used has cracked around the edge. The holes had been filled with thickend epoxy and countersunk. They were nearly invisible before and there is no flexing in the panel.
Anyone suggest what went wrong before I redo?
Click to expand...
Is your clear well backed. And we’re the holes a close foot. If not then you may get constant movement that would enlarge the holes.
 
It could be that when you filled the holes the edges were not cleaned and/or the filling was too thick to penetrate, thus leading to a poor bond.
For a better fix drill out with a bigger bit and chamfer the edges, e.g., with a countersink bit. This should give you a cleaner surface, hopefully free from any salt residue (and silicone sealer, perhaps?).
Paint the exposed surface with clear epoxy, thinned if necessary, as a 'primer' and then, when it has gone tacky, apply your filler mix.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top