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Home » Fibreglass Boat Repair & Maintenance » Cracks and Scratches »

Cracks and Scratches

Typically located in vulnerable areas such as exposed corners and coamings, or in areas susceptible to flexing or stress.

 

Solution 2 - Repairing minor cracks & scratches16.2 KB image/jpeg

1. Remove loose or damaged material.  Open cracks with a sharp, 'V' shaped tool, scraping down to the bottom of the crack.  Dry out the damaged area if necessary.  Feather the edges with a scraping tool or 100-grit sandpaper.


2. Apply enough epoxy mixture to thoroughly wet-out the damaged cavity.


3. Blend a 403 Microfibre Blend with the remaining epoxy mixture to make a thick, non-sagging mixture.  Trowel the mixture into the pre-wet cavity.


4. Allow to cure about 24 hours at minimum 25°C.


5. Sand to shape before painting.  Use 80-grit sandpaper to level any ridges or bumps if necessary.  Wet sand fair with 220-grit paper.  For high gloss finishes, continue wet sanding down to 400-grit.


Gelcoat or a two part polyurethane paint both provide the ultraviolet protection required for epoxy.  Marine-grade enamels work well on interior surfaces.  Follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations for final preparation and application.

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