gel coat for the international series

lynneraye · Post by **lynneraye** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 10:52 pm

would like to fill some holes left by the previous owners in the salon but need to know where I could find gel coat to match . dont really want to paint -much rather have the original finish. any ideas out there for me-- tried to look up on the internet but couldnt find the right match

Rodman · Post by **Rodman** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:10 pm

The hardest part of a repair to the surface of a fiberglass boat is matching the color. Professionals who do gelcoat repairs daily still have difficulty getting a perfect match. Even "factory" colors don't match exactly after a boat has been in the sun for a few years.

ready123 · Post by **ready123** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 4:25 am

Rodman wrote:The hardest part of a repair to the surface of a fiberglass boat is matching the color. Professionals who do gelcoat repairs daily still have difficulty getting a perfect match. Even "factory" colors don't match exactly after a boat has been in the sun for a few years.

Luckily "lynneraye" wants to repair gel inside the salon so has less sun aging to deal with. Of course finding the OEM colour is still the problem!
I think the only solution is to find an experienced gel guy to assist or even do the work if you are fussy about the results.
I have had success with taking a digital photo and showing that to the gel guy to guide them in the tint needed. Then I was able to vary the depth of tint to get real close.
You could also try to chip off some gel on the edge of one of those holes to take to the gel guy.

fourreins · Post by **fourreins** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 7:52 am

I have an International and Bob at Beacon Marine can get the original color for you.