Gutted at scratched gelcoat. Is Milliput a good fix?

[sprocker]

We have just been to move our MF645 to her new berth in the Marina, before moving her I noticed a small scratch on the starboard side near the swim platform. I have my suspicions on how/who caused it, but that's not for here.

The scratch is only approx 40mm long x 2mm wide, but it looks as though it has gone through the gelcoat.

Would Milliput Superfine White be a good product for filling the scratch, and would it then polish up enough to be unseen? The original gelcoat is white, and the boat is just 12 months old so gelcoat colour should still be true I would assume.

 

[Marine Reflections]

Milliput will fill the repair and yes will polish up.

I've used it before in antique restoration work, but it doesn't compare to a decent fix with gel coat, certainly if you want it invisible.

You would be very lucky if it was a perfect colour match due to thousands of shades of white, it would be close though. There are other parts of prep that would need to be performed to help make invisible even if it were a spot on colour match.

With the prep involved you might as well use gel coat, if it's worth doing etc.


Tony

 

[LittleSister]

I recently saw some gel coat repair stuff in tubes (paste?/putty?) in the chandlers. I think it was available in various shades of white/off-white/cream, as well as some colours. Obviously no substitute for a professional colour matched repair, but. . . .

Can't remember the name, unfortunately. I was going to have a closer look, but thought I'd do so when I'd got what I'd gone in for in the first place, then forgot all about it until I got home. Next time I go in there I'll try to remember to check it out and report back.

p.s. Tracked it down on-line: http://www.norfolkmarine.co.uk/shop...-26999.html?osCsid=1jbrmjqjn0jqabq5og18m23934

There's also a version for hairline cracks: http://www.norfolkmarine.co.uk/shop...-27010.html?osCsid=1jbrmjqjn0jqabq5og18m23934

I've no connection with the product or (apart from as a customer) the chandler

 

[Marine Reflections]

I recently saw some gel coat repair stuff in tubes (paste?/putty?) in the chandlers. I think it was available in various shades of white/off-white/cream, as well as some colours. Obviously no substitute for a professional colour matched repair, but. . . .

Can't remember the name, unfortunately. I was going to have a closer look, but thought I'd do so when I'd got what I'd gone in for in the first place, then forgot all about it until I got home. Next time I go in there I'll try to remember to check it out and report back.

Was it this? http://www.milliput.com

 

[Medskipper]

I think Milliput is a great product, it's quick to use and can be smoothed down straight after putting it on with a wet hand or cloth. But the guys are right there are many shades of white and the only way is to get it done professionally if invisible is important to you! But a complete amateur can make a very decent job with Milliput enough so that only you know where the damage was!

 

[Lon nan Gruagach]

At 12 months old the gel coat will still be very close to the original colour, have a chat with Merry Fisher about it.

 

[gjgm]

I think Milliput is a great product, it's quick to use and can be smoothed down straight after putting it on with a wet hand or cloth. But the guys are right there are many shades of white and the only way is to get it done professionally if invisible is important to you! But a complete amateur can make a very decent job with Milliput enough so that only you know where the damage was!

If you can get some gel match from the dealer via the HIN number, it is easy to do yourself, if a bit time consuming. Sometimes worth seeing if a dealer is doing a repair on another boat and has some matching gel anyway.

 

[sprocker]

I've emailed the dealer to see if they can get me a colour match, meanwhile I'll stick some tape over the scratch to try and keep any crud out.

Thankyou for all your replies and advice so far.

 

[ian38_39]

No expert but lead to believe Plastic Padding gel coat filler is good stuff, had some professional repairs done on one of our boats a few years ago and the GRP man was saying nothing but true gel did it properly, when he looked at the Plastic padding he was surprised to find that in his opinion it was just as good as the pro stuff.
Matches well on Sealines not sure about a MF.

 

[AllanG]

The scratch is only approx 40mm long x 2mm wide, but it looks as though it has gone through the gelcoat.

Before considering any filling repair, it may be worth getting a GRP specialist to take a look to see if the scratch can be polished out, using the appropriate grades of cutting compound.

 

[gjgm]

Before considering any filling repair, it may be worth getting a GRP specialist to take a look to see if the scratch can be polished out, using the appropriate grades of cutting compound.

I would suspect not if it really is through to the grp;also in risk areas like swim platforms, I would try to leave as much gel on there, not remove it
I think while p/padding gelcoat filler is ok, the OP might just notice the scratch everytime he looks at the swim platfrom- even if no one else notices it !

 

[sprocker]

I think while p/padding gelcoat filler is ok, the OP might just notice the scratch everytime he looks at the swim platfrom- even if no one else notices it !

You are absolutely correct. I tend to be a little anal (SWMBO says very anal!) where my boat is concerned, I put a lot of time and effort into keeping her looking good, and the smallest blemish would bug me.