[Jason]

Have been putting in the research into the realm of fiberglass repair. I have a grasp on different resins and materials for doing the repair. Trouble I’m finding is how to identify what materials were used on previous repairs or factory materials? How do you know what was gelcoat versus two part paint? Poly resin versus epoxy on the original part? Understand epoxy is generally the universa go to for repairs but would like to be able to tell when poly can be used.

 

[DuckNut]

The difference between paint and gel will be evident when it is front of you. If you still can't tell the difference splash some airplane paint remover on it and then you will know.

Poly is almost universally used because it is cheaper. Most of the time the mfg will have used red dye in the resin to make it easy to see air pockets. To tell the difference, smell it. Poly smells like chemicals and epoxy smells like plastic. Just assume it is poly and you would be right 99% of the time.

 

[hunterbrown]

If you're asking about a specific production boat model, people on here should be able to give you a pretty good idea of what was used from the factory.

 

[Jason]

Mitzi skiff. Plan to redo the console first then move to the cockpit. Want to fair out the cockpit and put down non skid. Gets to be an ice skating rink now

 

[DuckNut]

Not necessary to identify products used in making it.

Need to focus on what you want to use to repair it.

Are you going to paint or gelcoat?

Posts pics of what you want to do.

 

[Jason]

Planned to use a two part paint. Can paint be applied over gelcoat?

 

[DuckNut]

It sure can. But you have to get the wax off first.

Do a search on making the repair your looking to do on the console. Do that repair first so you get the hang of it. Console is small and easy to work with. The floor is the size you want to have just a bit of experience before tackling. Not hard jobs, time consuming.

Watch a video on youtbe about applying kiwi grip and that will help you with the floor.