[SailingAlien]

The world of fiberglass is one of those magical worlds I have never understood and chalked up to voodoo. However, now that we own a boat I would like to bring back the decks luster (the gelcoat is oxidized) and patch up some nicks and scrapes on the hull and deck. Is there anywhere I can turn to learn about fiberglass its care and improvements? I've been reading a number of posts here on SailNet and must admit to being completely baffled between the resins, epoxies, waxes, gels, glosses, sealants, polysomthings and the like. I'm even trying YouTube to learn more but am getting more product placement than education. Any help would be, um, helpful.

 

[dgr]

I believe this is the publication that the Dog was refering to in one of my threads

http://www.westsystem.com/ss/assets/HowTo-Publications/Fiberglass-Boat-Repair-and-Maintenance.pdf

 

[paulk]

I'd get a copy of "This Old Boat" (Don Casey, 1991) and read it. Then you'll know something about what each of your other sources is talking about.

 

[sailingdog]

If you want to try and restore the existing finish, what you need to know is this: MaineSail's Post on Polishing & Waxing

To patch the nicks, scrapes and other minor damage, you can learn how to do that from any of the good books on sailboat care, including Don Casey's This Old Boat, which just came out in a newly expanded revision.

The world of fiberglass is one of those magical worlds I have never understood and chalked up to voodoo. However, now that we own a boat I would like to bring back the decks luster (the gelcoat is oxidized) and patch up some nicks and scrapes on the hull and deck. Is there anywhere I can turn to learn about fiberglass its care and improvements? I've been reading a number of posts here on SailNet and must admit to being completely baffled between the resins, epoxies, waxes, gels, glosses, sealants, polysomthings and the like. I'm even trying YouTube to learn more but am getting more product placement than education. Any help would be, um, helpful.

 

[SailingAlien]

The world of fiberglass is one of those magical worlds I have never understood and chalked up to voodoo. However, now that we own a boat I would like to bring back the decks luster (the gelcoat is oxidized) and patch up some nicks and scrapes on the hull and deck. Is there anywhere I can turn to learn about fiberglass its care and improvements? I've been reading a number of posts here on SailNet and must admit to being completely baffled between the resins, epoxies, waxes, gels, glosses, sealants, polysomthings and the like. I'm even trying YouTube to learn more but am getting more product placement than education. Any help would be, um, helpful.

These are all great. Thanks.