Best way to fix stress cracks in glass

[LOU]

Can someone tell me the best way to repair stress cracks in the gel coat. Also what prep and paint is best on a glass hull?

Thanks
Lou

[Steven Vaccaro]

I use thin CA, try to open the crack somewhat by pushing behind the crack, apply CA let the crack close and wipe of excess. I use Krylon paint. I sand the entire hull apply primer, sand between each coat of primary color then use a clear to finish it off.
StevenV

[LOU]

Thanks for the quick reply. Looks like I got alot of sanding to do !

LOU

[Steven Vaccaro]

Were not talking about heavy sanding. Lite. I use 600 grit and basically scuff up the hull so the paint has something to stick to! It takes me about 30 minutes to sand for a 30 inch hull.
StevenV

[LOU]

Thanks for that reply. I was gonna use 280 grit.:eek:

LOU

[will_myster]

Here it goes. Over on the out side i sand it back then clean it (ACTETONE). Apply car body filler. Sand that back to its orignal shape using 600 grit. After doing that i make sure everything is true and flat. To remove the pin holes i use this stuff called POST BOG. It is a primer for most paints and it fill's the pin holes, keep applying and sanding back to holes are filled, apply a sealing coat of the stuff. Then Your done, do what ever you want.

Oh yeah there is a easy fix for this DONT get boats with GEL COAT. most of us dont use it we just paint over the top. Im quite sure if you ask nicely the manufacture not to put it on im quite sure he will do so. Gel coat is dead wheight. I cant be bothered with it. For painting a hull a pull rub rack 600 grit, with one prime and 2 coats of 2 pac or Krylon SPRAYED on will give you a nice smooth finish better looking,

[LOU]

Thanks Wil, Should I sand most of the gel coat off to shed some weight?

LOU

[will_myster]

You can shed a bit of weight yes. But the problem with some crappy castings is that the Gel coat is not at a consistant thickness. Thus the fiber glass has wobbles and dents in it, thats why most people use gel coat ( to get it flat ). This inconsistancy cause these cracks especially when it has stresses. The other thing is where the sun deterorates the surface making it chalky, then causeing the cracks. My suggestion would be to sand back the cracks, not to the fiber glass though, make sure the surface if not out of whack ( plumb ), and then fill the crack, then make it flat and true. If your going to paint it i would give it a good sander, just dont go over board. Exposing the fiberglass gives you some thing called Fiber glass cancer and thats when the resin falls away leaving the glass but no resin to make it strong. It gives the boat a spongy effect. As i havent seen the hull i couldnt tell you what you should do with the gel coat.

[LOU]

Thanks for your replys.

LOU