Gelcoat colour matching Gone Wrong Ep 408

Gel Coat Colour Matching Gone Wrong

In this episode of Sailing Catalpa, we’ll be discussing a cosmetic touch-up on our sailboat. We have had some previous damage to the gel coat that hasn’t been repaired very well. We aim to fill in the areas that need work and color match the best of our ability using gel coat. This repair process is crucial as it ensures the boat remains watertight and structurally sound, maintaining its overall integrity.

Sailing Catalpa’s Boat Cosmetic Touch-Up

We’ll be using polyester fairing compound to fill in the damaged areas and then applying gel coat on top. It may not look perfect as we’re working on a 30-year-old boat, but it will provide a water-resistant layer that’s good enough for our needs.

Mixing Total Boat Gel Coat

The process begins with mixing the total boat gel coat to color match the rest of the boat. However, the Catalpa family quickly realizes how challenging it can be for someone inexperienced in this field. They begin by experimenting with various colors like white, yellow, and brown to achieve the desired creamy color. They must learn quickly as they realize one wrong mix could ruin all their hard work.

Trials and Errors of Gel Coat Matching

It’s a bit of trial and error for the Sailing Catalpa family as they struggle to match the perfect color. They end up using far more pigment than needed, leading to some rather comical moments as they try to salvage their mix.

Satisfied With Final Results

With persistence and patience, the Catalpa family achieves a satisfactory result with their gel coat touch-up. They continue making other necessary cosmetic repairs on their boat, such as varnishing bathroom wood. Despite minor issues and errors along the way, they are proud of the work accomplished so far. This DIY process not only saves them money but also helps them maintain and keep up their beloved sailboat.

The End

As our story ends, we realize that mistakes and imperfections are all part of the learning experience. The key is to never give up and learn from those mistakes as you go along. Stay tuned for more adventures on Sailing Catalpa!