How To Repair Boat Gelcoat [MATERIALS LIST👇] | BoatUS

BoatUS Magazine's Mark Corke takes you through the steps for how to repair boat gelcoat. This gel coat repair DIY if you need to fix a boat ding, crack, or scratch is not difficult and could save you a lot of money by doing it yourself and still get professional results. The process for repairing gelcoat on a boat (on flat surfaces) starts by preparing the area to be repaired by thoroughly cleaning with soap and water and then acetone. Use a Dremel with a burr bit to open up the repair area, then vacuum the dust. Mix the gelcoat according to manufacturer directions and add any coloring to match your boat's gelcoat. Tap it into the repair and overfill. Once dry, use wet sandpaper to sand it flush with the surrounding surface. Use cutting compound then finish with a little wax to finish it up.👇Scroll down for a complete materials list for tools and materials used in this video. Read more about gelcoat repair: www.boatus.com/Search?term=ge...
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🚩MATERIALS LIST
⚓ Disposable respirator: www.homedepot.com/p/3M-Sandin...
⚓ Acetone: I used an Evercoat product, lbut any acetone is fine: www.evercoat.com/product-detai...
⚓ Blue painters tape: www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-u...
⚓ Dremel rotary tool: www.dremel.com/en_US/products...
⚓ Dremel bit: www.dremel.com/en_US/products...
⚓ Gelcoat for almost any premixed boat color: www.iboats.com/shop/paint-and... (Comes with catalyst)
⚓ Syringes: www.walmart.com/ip/Monoject-C...
⚓ Plastic mixing sticks: www.westmarine.com/buy/west-s...
⚓ Wet/Dry Sandpaper (also available at any home improvement store): www.westmarine.com/buy/3m--we...
⚓ Polishing compound: www.westmarine.com/buy/3m--pe...
⚓ Buffing machine. The one I have is no longer available, but this is the equivalent: www.dewalt.com/products/power...
⚓ Compounding pad: www.westmarine.com/buy/3m--pe...
⚓ Polishing pad: www.westmarine.com/buy/3m--pe...
⚓ Polish / Glaze: www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-u...
⚓ Collinite Wax (bottle looks different now): www.westmarine.com/buy/collin...
#gelcoatrepair #gelcoat #boatus #satisfying

[@glowgrrr]

Thank you for this brilliant instruction video. I have a couple dents in the gel coat that needs fixing, and this made me confident i will be able to do it myself.

[@boatus]

Thanks so much for the feedback, glowgrrr! We're thrilled you found it helpful and hope the repairs go smoothly. You may want to check out our two other gelcoat repair videos as they may offer some additional techniques and explanations you may find useful depending on the location of the repairs. czcams.com/video/i2w85yvrbHk/video.html and czcams.com/video/5EapSjzjAyQ/video.html

[@michaelwarman169]

Wish I found this video BEFORE I did my crappy repair. Start again 😂😂

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Michael, and glad you found it helpful. Do check out our other gelcoat repair videos (link to playlist below) for additional tips and techniques that might help you out depending on where the repair is and the type of repair. They also cover frequently asked questions we've had throughout the series like the difference between waxed and unwaxed gelcoat, and what is the glaze Mark speaks of. Good luck with your project, and let us know how it goes! czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

[@generationfunk]

I am so baffled as to why anyone would dislike this brilliant piece of workmanship

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, and we appreciate your feedback!

[@chroniclesofstuntbucket3522]

Wooden boat snobs 😁

[@stevenmcgonagle5597]

Great video, learned a couple things!
Thank You!

[@sned442]

Thanks! Very helpful. And thanks for answering the question below about the "glaze" you mention. I had the same question.

[@Fireship1]

Very nice repair. This is why I'm a Boat US member! Your all about boating, from the legal to the maintenance , and everything in between!

[@boatus]

Awwww, thanks, Fireship1! We appreciate you being a member, too!

[@patriciabruce2081]

This was great to see someone do it so patiently showing all the steps. Thank you!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching!

[@rtarchitectrt]

Wow. This was an EXCELLENT explanation and video. Thank You!

[@boatus]

You're very welcome, and thank you for watching!

[@petercleeland6478]

Great video. I have a few repairs todo and your instructions are clear and informative. Many thanks.

[@mikegarcia9786]

Definitely makes me feel a little better about cleaning up a few small marks on my boat. Thanks!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Mike! Good luck with it. Make sure to watch our video on repairing gelcoat on vertical surfaces for additional tips and techniques. We've also got a few videos on spraying gelcoat and repairing spider cracks coming out in the next few months. Make sure to subscribe to receive notifications when new videos are posted!

[@harperhatheway6081]

Thank you, learned something!

[@raulcubas6000]

That repair looks to be very simple to do so next time rather than sending it out I will attempt it myself! thanks again for the valuable instruction!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Raul. Yes, it's not as difficult as many people think. Proper prep is the key. Good luck with your repair, and let us know how it goes!

[@brt-jn7kg]

Thank you for taking the time to post this i have a 1964 Crestliner Challenger 14 foot fiberglass boat. I've converted from an empty skiff to a small center console. Ive hot several small places like this to repair. Look forward to using your information to repair it. Thank you

[@boatus]

Thanks, brt 123! Glad you found this helpful for your project boat. Check back this Friday, July 20, at around 2 p.m. for a new video showing you how to do gelcoat repairs on vertical surfaces, like the hull or topside. It's still pretty simple to do for the average boat owner--if you can use a paintbrush and a sander, you can do that one, too. Oh, and if you have documented the conversion/makeover, do share it with us over at the magazine!

[@jolse1]

So easy, thanks for shearing 😃

[@bunkman64]

THANK YOU! This was a VERY helpful video, I live in St Augustine and have some scratches and small chips on my bow where the current pulled me into a barnacle covered bridge pylon. Best repair video I have seen yet. Again, THANKS!

[@boatus]

Thanks, Bunk! Glad you found it helpful. Do check out our other two gelcoat repair videos as well since you may find additional info that will help you if any of the repairs are on vertical surfaces. czcams.com/video/5EapSjzjAyQ/video.html (vertical surface repairs) and czcams.com/video/i2w85yvrbHk/video.html (spider cracks). Good luck with your project and let us know how it goes!

[@augustmielke7444]

Well done, thank you 👍

[@jpartington5358]

Thanks for this- it was very efficient. Most CZcams videos drone on and on. I put this on 1.5 speed and now will go and do my repair!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, J. It's not nearly as difficult as most people think. You just have to follow the steps. You may want to check out our other gelcoat repair videos for additional tips and techniques that may help depending on where your repairs are located: czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html Good luck with your project and let us know how it goes!

[@onawhim9079]

Good job Mark, I've got some screw holes to attack but I'm feeling confident after watching your video that with some epoxy and gel coat repair I should be able to tidy it up nicely!

[@boatus]

You're welcome, and good luck, Simon. Send us some before/after photos if you get a chance! We'd love to see how your project turns out.

[@user-th8ok6fo9j]

A great video, very clear and simple.
Now let me go and fix the boat.
Thanks

[@boatus]

Thanks! Hope it goes well. And make sure to subscribe to our channel to receive notification when new videos are posted. We have one coming up in a few weeks on how to repair gelcoat on vertical surfaces, such as the hull.

[@lukegermanakos1917]

Very helpful. thanks

[@paulmorales2623]

effective teaching - well done. thanks for putting this on the tube. gonna try it!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Paul. Let us know how it goes!

[@dinosman5232]

Tqvm for sharing Michael, I have learned something new today :) from down under Australia.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Din. Glad you found it helpful. We have another video on how to repair gelcoat on vertical surfaces if you search our channel. It's a similar process but there are some helpful tips for that specific application.

[@moacirfdr-imbituba-sc2818]

I am Brazilian from southern Brazil. The video guided me to repair the gel coat on the hull of my 19ft sailboat.
Congratulations.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, and we're thrilled you found it helpful!

[@peakdiscoveries]

I don't know why anyone would dislike this, thanks so much, great vid

[@boatus]

Aw, thanks for watching and commenting, Peak! Glad you found it helpful.

[@ricardobrown8746]

Anyone who dislikes the video does fiberglass repair and he just made things so much harder for them.

[@wr5610]

Love it. Going to try it on my Kayak. Thanks for video.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Werner. Good luck with your repair and let us know how it goes!

[@raylynch8419]

Great video. Very well explained and easy to follow. Thank you, Ray (Australia)

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Ray! Glad you found it useful

[@vinnitca1990]

What a great video! Easy to follow! Thank you!

[@boatus]

Thank you for watching, Harrison!

[@elgen13]

Thanks for the video, came in very needfull !

[@boatus]

You're welcome, Erik! Stay tuned ... we just filmed a video on repairing gelcoat on vertical surfaces, which is a slightly different process. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to our channel for notification when new videos are posted.

[@skeeterd5150]

You’ve convinced me! I’m definitely going to stop biting my fingernails

[@boatus]

Go for it, skeeterd! The hardest part is matching the color, and that's not all that hard either. Let us know how it goes!

[@jerrychf]

Wow! Prefect repaired! I also want to learn about repairing geocoat for my boat and i saw it crack at some point. Thanks for your video, very detail and clear about the instruction!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Jerry. Glad it was useful!

[@pashkoskoda3862]

Great job!
Thank you for sharing.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching!

[@tristanschaper281]

Fantastic video, thank you!!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Tristan!

[@sparks7227]

This video is very helpful. It gave me the confidence to repair my boat.

[@boatus]

Thanks, Dave! Glad it was helpful. Good luck with your repair. Let us know how it goes!

[@mikebode2376]

Thank you, very informative!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching!

[@1dowsey]

Very helpful thank you

[@georgekerkines7988]

Great Video and the instruction nice and clear. THANK YOU!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, George!

[@lourimbach6650]

Very helpful instructional video Made it look easy, showing all the steps in completing the repair
Thanks

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Lou!

[@dianesullivan8795]

Excellent~ I'll be doing a lot of my own repair work. Thanks for the tips!

[@boatus]

Thanks so much for watching, Diane! It's not hard if you you follow the steps. Be sure to watch our other two gelcoat repair videos for additional tips and a discussion of waxed vs nonwaxed gelcoat. There are a couple other techniques that might help you depending on where you're doing repairs. Keep us posted how it goes!

[@WildeGreg]

Great video. Nice simple breakdown of the steps.

[@boatus]

Thanks, Greg!

[@theblueboy20]

Thanks for the info just purchased my first JetSki with a few chips I have never played with gelcoat before great video

[@boatus]

Glad it was helpful! Let us know how your project goes.

[@chrismorrison8524]

Great video. Very clear with handy tips to make this process easier

[@boatus]

Thanks so much for watching, Chris. Lots of folks are afraid to tackle gelcoat repairs themselves, but it's really not that difficult if you have the right materials, prep properly, and follow the steps.

[@alanmountain5804]

Great video and a big help. Thanks buddy

[@boatus]

You're welcome, Alan! Be sure to subscribe to our channel. We've got a great video coming up in the next month or so on how to repair gelcoat on vertical surfaces. It's equally as doable for the average DIY-er, just a slightly different technique.

[@ericmarshall4085]

Great video. Simple & effective. Thanks for posting. Appreciated!

[@boatus]

You're very welcome, Eric. Thanks for watching!

[@macbringy]

Really nice tuition. I learnt a lot. Thanks

[@boatus]

You're welcome, Brian! Thanks for watching.

[@firetrt01]

Best jel coat video on you tube

[@boatus]

Thanks, Bob! Make sure to subscribe to our channel for notification on an upcoming video on how to repair gelcoat on vertical surfaces.

[@F15EKimo]

Great video! Takes some of the intimidation out of the repair process.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Jim!

[@BStavFishing]

Thanks for this ! Nice job!!

[@boatus]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SandroSchwengber]

Thank you for this video

[@boatus]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching. Don't miss our other gelcoat repair videos--each has a little different technique and tips to help with your specific application. czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

[@JohnTaylor-zq7go]

Love it...thanks very much. Good job!

[@boatus]

You're welcome, John! Thanks for watching

[@augustinkrstulovic1260]

Very useful information to keep bogat in the spotless condition.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Augustin! Glad you found it useful. Be sure to check out our other gelcoat repair and maintenance videos for additional tips and techniques. czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

[@clivethewritermadenglishma4042]

I was able to follow and understand this completely. Made for chaps like me.

[@boatus]

Thanks, Clive! Glad you found it useful. Let us know how your repairs go

[@CadohaAdventures]

Appreciate that video, thanks for sharing, that’ll be me repairing the damaged caused from nicking the side of the boat on the pontoon 🙈

[@boatus]

Ooopsies! Once you make the repair, no one will know. Your secret's safe with us.

[@Talonshields]

Great instructional video.. right to the point with great tips. Thank you !!

[@boatus]

You are very welcome, Talon. Glad you found it helpful!

[@jamierobertson2129]

Well done very detailed. Thanks

[@boatus]

Thanks for the love, Jamie! Be sure to subscribe to our channel to receive notification when our new videos are posted. Also check out our new gelcoat repair video for vertical surfaces.

[@dansiddall3618]

great tips, thank you!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching this one, too!

[@scottydavis1813]

I used the video to repair my gel coat and it came out perfect

[@boatus]

Woohooo, Scotty! That's fantastic. Thanks so much for letting us know, and we're happy the video was helpful.

[@poppopbuilds6537]

Thank you. Great video.

[@boatus]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@petergoddard7711]

thank you for showing me how to fix chip or dents in boats my wife and i going bye our first boat it needs alot of work and your videos help us more than you ever no kind regards pete from Australia

[@boatus]

Hi Pete! Thanks for watching from Down Under, and we're thrilled you are finding our videos helpful. Good luck with the new boat next season, and feel free to check out our full library of boat handling videos as well! czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwoBcTU1ojy9t7nV2JSQw27.html

[@robertovalls]

Great video thanks!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Roberto! Glad you found it helpful. Do make sure to check out our other gelcoat repair vids for additional tips and techniques: czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

[@MrMegdiver]

Fantastic...thank you for this very helpful video...

[@boatus]

You're very welcome! Don't forget to subscribe to our channel to receive notification when we post new videos.

[@baluba006]

Great thanks for a nice video!

[@boatus]

You're very welcome, and thanks for watching! Make sure to check out our full playlist of gelcoat repair videos as there are other tips and techniques you may find helpful: czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

[@GrahamDodd8]

Really well presented - thank you

[@boatus]

You're very welcome! Glad you found it useful. And stay tuned ... we've got a couple more gelcoat-related videos in the works.

[@kobiroar4221]

Nice straight to the point sorted.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, @kobiroar!

[@TR4zest]

Super clear demonstration. Good stuff. Am subscribed.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching and subscribing, Brian! Glad you found it helpful

[@umutsoysal6792]

Thanks a lot, pretty concise!

[@boatus]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching, umut.

[@jaynedurden9989]

Great video. Clear and easy to follow.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Jayne! Glad you found it helpful.

[@dougowens2686]

Great job looking forward to more

[@boatus]

Thanks, Doug. Do check out our other gelcoat video on repairing gelcoat on vertical surfaces. There are some good tips there. And we just happen to be shooting two more right now -- one on repairing spider cracks and the other on spraying gelcoat. Look for those in the next few months!

[@spacey_jones]

Top! I did learn something, thank you!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Casey! Glad you found it helpful. Be sure to watch our other gelcoat repair videos for additional techniques and explanations: czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

[@josephshilling6926]

Great instructions video! Thanks

[@boatus]

You are very welcome, Joseph! If you haven't done so already, we recommend viewing our full playlist of gelcoat repair videos for additional tips and techniques that may be useful depending on where the repairs are located: czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

[@Handygrrl]

Thank you!

[@boatus]

You're welcome, DS. Thanks for watching!

[@haroldvietti2233]

Thank you this really helps

[@boatus]

You're quite welcome, Harold! If you haven't done so already, make sure to subscribe to our channel for notification of more great how-to videos, including one coming up on how to repair gelcoat on vertical surfaces, such as the side of the hull.

[@alecharper515]

Brilliant. Thanks, mate!

[@boatus]

Thanks, Alec. If you are looking at doing a gelcoat repair, check out our full playlist. We have more videos that show several different techniques and offer tips that might be helpful depending on the location, size, and depth of the repair. czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

[@patrickmalone6802]

Fantastic - thanks!!!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching!

[@Heartgator]

Outstanding!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching!

[@ufukozbir649]

nice and clear, cheers!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Ufuk!

[@robwinn8213]

Great video I need to do this on a Yamaha EX I just bought. Thank you for the video.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Rob! You may want to watch some of our other gelcoat repair vids for additional tips and info: czcams.com/video/TJHk81_nKRI/video.html Good luck with your project!

[@herbertstolz2591]

Well done...Thanks

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Herbert!

[@jimthompson717]

Nice. About to repair a chip on the top of the transom. This helped

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Jim! Good luck with your project.

[@mdvs42]

loved the video I was raised in two body shops so familiar with some of your workings but have always want to know how to get those nasty little oyster ships out of my boat, and wasn't aware there is a gelcoat repair process will give it a shot.

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Mt. Davis, and glad you found it helpful. It's not a difficult repair to do yourself. You just need to follow the steps, and you'll have a finish you can be proud of! Let us know how it goes.

[@Islands4Fun]

Great! Thank you

[@boatus]

Thank you for watching! We also have another video on repairing gelcoat on vertical surfaces at czcams.com/video/5EapSjzjAyQ/video.html

[@steveadams2888]

what a terrific job made too look so easy

[@boatus]

Thanks, Steve! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jamiejames9828]

Great video, glad I watched,I would have messed up bad if I hadn't

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Jamie! You may want to have a look at some of our other videos on gelcoat repair. There are some other tips and techniques you may find helpful depending on location and the type of repair needed: czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html Good luck with your project! It's not hard; just a lot of steps. Let us know how it goes.

[@johnbainbridge2452]

Excellent tutorial thank you

[@boatus]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fishnbox]

Thanks good clear consice video

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Steve. Glad you found it helpful. If you haven't done so already, check out our other gelcoat repair videos for several other techniques you may find useful depending on the size and location of the repair.

[@morbidfollower]

great video thank you

[@boatus]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching. I will suggest checking out our playlist of gelcoat repair videos for some additional tips, tricks, and techniques depending on where the repair is located and how large. czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

[@thebritishboatguy3130]

Great video thank you

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching BBG! Glad you found it helpful

[@pollyrobinson3877]

Awesome!!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Polly! FYI, we have two other gelcoat videos--one for repairing gelcoat on vertical surfaces and one for fixing spider cracks. All three show slightly different techniques that might work better for different applications.

[@geneonlbk]

great tutorial, thanks

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Gene.

[@stewarthightower4307]

Excellent information!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Stewart!

[@hayrettinbuyukeren]

Amazing job!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching High•red!

[@frankviljoen7578]

Great video

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Frank! If you're doing a gelcoat repair project, be sure to view our entire gelcoat repair playlist for additional tips that may help you depending on the location and size of the repair: czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

[@boblowndes9613]

Great tutorial thanks

[@boatus]

Thanks, Bob! Glad you found it helpful.

[@narineramotar7426]

Nice and quick!

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Narine!

[@63256325N]

That was really quite easy, thank you for the tip. 😁 👍

[@boatus]

Glad you found it useful, Duncan. It's totally doable, even for those with average skills. Let us know how your repair goes!

[@63256325N]

@@boatus No repairs for me personally, I was curious as to how gel coat defects get fixed. I've been following an Australian fellow named Ross who's building a 40 some odd foot fiberglass catamaran. Basically living life vicariously through YT. Thanks for the reply. 😉

[@sakasmeed]

That was a great instructional video. Thank you!

[@boatus]

You are quite welcome, Kev! Check out our latest gelcoat repair video for vertical surfaces for more great tips.

[@roboeng9128]

Makes it look easy.

[@boatus]

It's not hard, Robo. Just a lot of steps to ensure a good finish. If you haven't seen them already, check out our other gelcoat-repair vids for more tips and techniques depending on where the repair is located and the type of the repair: czcams.com/play/PLSrVa8gUFaPwF4oz5H4JmSEkdlTwkCrYq.html

[@garyb757]

Informative thanks

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Gary!

[@martinyable]

Thank you

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Martin!

[@georgewilson1660]

Thanks for that

[@boatus]

You're welcome, George. Thanks for watching!!

[@tedfinkenauer42]

Excellent

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Ted!