Replicating non-slip pattern following deck repair

[JimC]

I've removed a couple of redundant deck fittings and filled the resulting holes leaving two areas of about 4 cms diameter. I've matched the ice white gelcoat colour OK but I'm struggling to match the non-slip pattern of the surrounding deck which consists of little raised pips. I tried sprinkling sugar onto the wet gelcoat and dissolving it with hot water after curing (which I'd read of on here) but this left a pattern of tiny craters rather than the raised pips of the surrounding deck. The little craters held the dirt making the repaired areas turn grey and stand out badly.

Any suggestions?

 

[RichardS]

That's a tricky one.

The only thing I can think of would be to take an impression from a good part of the deck with something like plaster of paris. You could then, presumably, push the plaster cast into the soft gelcoat and allow it to set. Once it's set you should be able to remove most of the plaster with gently chipping away as it's quite brittle, and then dissolve what is left trapped in the gelcoat pattern with brick cleaner/HCL/vinegar/oxalic acid/whatever.

There might be something better that plaster of paris which can be used in the same way. The problem will be that the pattern will not match exactly at the edges but that's probably not such a big deal.

Richard

 

[Hadenough]

Try stippling the wet gel coat with a small sponge in a plastic bag - artex style.

 

[RupertW]

I’ve seen a similar repair done invisibly exactly by taking and matching a good bit - in this case by using something flexible out of a tube as a mould - looked like bathroom sealant which was then pressed into wet gel coat and instantly removed

 

[RichardS]

I’ve seen a similar repair done invisibly exactly by taking and matching a good bit - in this case by using something flexible out of a tube as a mould - looked like bathroom sealant which was then pressed into wet gel coat and instantly removed

Ah yes .... that would be even better than plaster of paris. It's a silicon rubber which comes out of a tube and sets and has a funny name which I can't remember either. That's the stuff and would be perfect.

Richard

 

[De.windhoos]

take a look at these 2 youtube video's. they show exactly how to do it properly.
https://youtu.be/UpsRljqBH0o
https://youtu.be/2eZLorXTNys

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

How about using one of the types of media used by dentists to take impressions e.g. sodium alginate .
They use a variety of materials , Google is your guide.
Whatever type you use, try to include some of the border of the area in the cast, to give you a datum line.

 

[tjbrace]

I have taken an impression using Siligum. I haven’t made a successful repair yet as I haven’t yet matched the colour. But the impression works ok.

 

[jwilson]

I’ve seen a similar repair done invisibly exactly by taking and matching a good bit - in this case by using something flexible out of a tube as a mould - looked like bathroom sealant which was then pressed into wet gel coat and instantly removed

When a well known and "quality" boatyard/boatbuilder did this to two areas of my diamond-patterned deck (after a pair of their half-witted teenage workers damaged it) another grown-up worker at the yard did similar, but with release agent and resin as the mould pattern - got a perfect diamond pattern match except for the joints between original and new gelcoat - the joints are fairly obvious as dark lines.

Another very good GRP repair contractor later looked at it and said he could do better in avoiding edge lines, but it was too much hassle.

 

[Twhitt]

Have a look on youtube for Boatworks Today. Video on both making a mould from current dect pattern, then using to make gelcoat repair!

 

[Yngmar]

You can get a silicone stamp for some make/models, or make your own if not available: http://www.selvida.de/SELVIDA-Deckstruktur-Stempel

 

[JimC]

I have taken an impression using Siligum. I haven’t made a successful repair yet as I haven’t yet matched the colour. But the impression works ok.

I followed this suggestion, here is the mould I took from another part of the deck:

and here is the finished repair (in the centre of the picture) not perfect but you have to look closely to detect it


Thanks tjbrace & all.

 

[tjbrace]

Please come and do mine!��

 

[JimC]

Better not, could have been just beginner's luck I got it right

 

[Marine Reflections]

Well done!