1) Ensure the damaged area is clean, dry and free of oil, wax or grease. It is sometimes useful to gouge out a scratch (preferably with a V shaped tool) to ensure maximum adhesion of the filler. Tape round the damaged area with Masking Tape to protect the surrounding surface..
2) Put the required quantity of Gelcoat Filler in a plastic mixing cup and add hardener as indicated in the table below and stir thoroughly.
3) Fill the scratch proud of the surface. Use wooden spatula to press filler firmly into the scratch. Avoid getting filler on the surrounding surface. Remove the tape before the filler sets. Leave filler to cure thoroughly for at least 12 hours.
4) If necessary, rub down with Wet & Dry Paper, then buff with polishing Compound. It is a good idea to tape round the repair again, to avoid cutting into the undamaged gelcoat.
FILLING DENTS & CRACKS
Small holes, cracks and dents in most GRP, metal or wooden surfaces can be filled with Gelcoat filler.
You can also make a repair “dough” by mixing lay up resin and chopped glassfibre strands. This is used in the same way as body filler, but is much stronger and has better gap filling properties. It can be used on virtually any surface, including boat hulls.