Gel coat repair

[3Dee]

Anyone know the best way to do this?

I have a wonderful shade of grey - but at some point later down the line this may be wrapped.

For now though, I want to repair the few areas that have suffered damage through years (5) of languishing in my garage, or minor cracks that have appeared in semi-hidden places, I know not how...they will need vee-ing out and repairing.

But - unfortunately the factory told me recently that my colour was a one-off, and although I did have a pot of gel-coat with the body, this has become useless as it has hardened over time...

And so, how do get a small qty that matches?

Any ideas gentlemen?

[356Speedster]

No ideas on the gel repairs, but rather than a wrap, you could look at this for a LOT less (£350-800 apparently): http://plasti-wrap.co.uk/

[GTRMikie]

I bought a tube (resin plus hardener) of white gel coat repair off ebay to repair a chipped bath. Apparently it's used to repair yacht hulls. It did a great job. It states on the tube that it can be coloured, but I've no idea what with (black powder paint?)

[3Dee]

356Speedster said:

No ideas on the gel repairs, but rather than a wrap, you could look at this for a LOT less (£350-800 apparently): http://plasti-wrap.co.uk/

Funny you should say that... I am researching this idea now... they are not too far from you...
Gave them a bunch of questions I needed answers to yesterday, but since then it had gone quiet...

[CanAm Dave]

Just to add to Mikies sugestion. You can add a gelcoat colour additive in either powder or liquid form. You could buy a tin of black colour additive and experiment with adding small amounts to a white gelcoat repair kit. I've done this kind of thing and all you need are accurate scales for measuring very small quantities. If your have any pieces of your bodywork that you have removed (e.g. cutouts for gauges) you can try you samples directly onto the removed part for colour matching.

[Ult-Jim]

CanAm Dave said:

Just to add to Mikies sugestion. You can add a gelcoat colour additive in either powder or liquid form. You could buy a tin of black colour additive and experiment with adding small amounts to a white gelcoat repair kit. I've done this kind of thing and all you need are accurate scales for measuring very small quantities. If your have any pieces of your bodywork that you have removed (e.g. cutouts for gauges) you can try you samples directly onto the removed part for colour matching.

I would try CanAm Dave's idea. Other thoughts are try a yacht / boat yard that does gel coat repairs or a decent yacht chandlery / paint shop, my local one in France can do it. Or if you live too far away from the sea try Laser sail performance. They build & repair the laser gel coat sail dinghies in Banbury (well use to anyway) and there is a outlet in Northampton. They may be able to provide gel coat colours for you or provide a contact - just a thought.

[Storer]

You could always get the Factory to supply you with some white and black gel coat and try mixing them as they are bound to be compatible.


Paul

[Steve_D]

There is a GF company across the yard from our workshop. Amongst other things they make GF bus shelter roofs...in grey.
If you like mail me with an address and I'll get a small amount posted out to you.

Steve

[3Dee]

Steve_D said:

There is a GF company across the yard from our workshop. Amongst other things they make GF bus shelter roofs...in grey.
If you like mail me with an address and I'll get a small amount posted out to you.

Steve

if they could it would be great Steve...
The only other option I have is go for clear gel and forget about it till it is either painted or wrapped or dipped!

[3Dee]

Well! Good new chaps!
Richard at the factory had rode to my rescue and managed to get a pot of my colour - so now it should be winging its way to me over the next few days!

So it is true then... despite his strange weekend habits, Richard has come up trumps... Now that is what I call service with a dress - (cough) sorry - smile!

Cheers Richard!