Milliput Epoxy Putty for Gelcoat Repairs?

[nigelmercier]

Some will have read my saga of trying to remove a W/C bowl without damage, finally succeeding using an oscillating tool, only to drop it and cause a large area to crack off. Having fixed the piece back with superglue, I had to find something to fill the missing gaps around the edge.

I considered using Plastic Padding Gelcoat Filler (http://amzn.to/1rmGKqi) but this is ghastly to work with.

I then discovered Milliput Superfine White Epoxy Putty (http://amzn.to/1vW13iV) which was quick and simple to use. The surface is a little dull, but hopefully it will polish up.

Is this good for gelcoat repairs?

 

[Concerto]

I have used both products in different places. The Milliput is a good hard filler, but I have never tried polishing it. The Plastic Padding can be slightly difficult to get a good even mix, otherwise it can take some time to cure hard and not be sticky. But once dry it does polish to a good finish as I have used it for many gel coat repairs on my hull and deck. From this experience I will still only use the Plastic Padding.

 

[vyv_cox]

I have nothing but praise for Milliput. We have used it for years for a wide variety of jobs, including gelcoat patching. Excellent stuff at a very reasonable price on-line.

 

[nigelmercier]

... Milliput Superfine White Epoxy Putty (http://amzn.to/1vW13iV) which was quick and simple to use. The surface is a little dull, but hopefully it will polish up...

I have nothing but praise for Milliput. We have used it for years for a wide variety of jobs, including gelcoat patching. Excellent stuff at a very reasonable price on-line.

The Amazon price in the link above is just under £4 with free delivery, which seems very reasonable indeed. I expected a tiny amount for this price.

Does it polish up OK?

 

[vyv_cox]

The Amazon price in the link above is just under £4 with free delivery, which seems very reasonable indeed. I expected a tiny amount for this price.

Does it polish up OK?

The last lot I bought, earlier this year, cost little more than half that, from a model shop in Yorkshire if I remember correctly.

Smooth it off wet before it sets, levelling to the surrounding grp. You can then polish it up with Brasso, T-cut or some other abrasive polish. It comes up quite well but not perhaps quite as well as gel coat.

 

[Jim@sea]

For £4 inc delivery its worth trying at least once,

 

[laika]

I considered using Plastic Padding Gelcoat Filler [...] but this is ghastly to work with.

What's so bad about it? I'm probably one of the least practical boat owners on this forum yet don't have a problem with mixing up and applying gelcoat from a tin with hardener and wax in styrene and the plastic padding filler is easier to use than that. The milliput is still two part right? I confess having no experience with it but maybe you could say *why* you think it might be easier to use for gelcoat repairs than gelcoat. I never overlook the possibility that I could have been doing it wrong all along

 

[vyv_cox]

Milliput, as the name suggests, is like a putty. You mix it in your previously wetted hands, push it into the hole and smooth of with fingers and water. No mess at all and done in about an hour.

 

[nigelmercier]

Reasons I don't like Plastic Padding Gelcoat filler:

It's not viscous enough.
It goes off too quickly.
It makes a mess over everything.
It shrinks.
You can't get it off the application tools.