Gel Coat Repair

[dsla]

I have a 1996 Ski Nautique which got ran into by a jetski when I was moored to a dock. I took it in to get the repair done, but they are having trouble getting a good color match on the Silver Cloud. They have tried 2 different spectrum colors, and had to slightly lighten them, but when they spray it with the hardener it turns a slight yellowish color. They have sprayed it 3 times. I guess the spectrum color is too much of a lavender, so they tinted it down. Anyone else had these problems, or any sugestions? I don't think they sprayed the color that came straight from the can. Also, I have seen 6 or seven other boats repaired at this shop, and the color match was great. However, they were Tige, MC or Supras, so I don't believe it is the shop.

[DanielC]

RE: Gel Coat Repair

Color matching can be very tricky. It is a mix of science, art, skill, and sometimes just plain luck. First of all, on a 12 year old boat, your white (silvercloud) is not the same color that it was when it left the CC factory. Second, because white is a reflection of all the colors in the spectrum, it is probably the most difficult color to match. There is also a possibility that your boat might of been made with a very slightly off color batch of silvercloud gelcoat, but because your whole boat was made with this batch of gelcoat you cannot tell.
I have had good luck with Spectrum Color gelcoat color matches.
Another possibility, thinning the gelcoat to spraying consistancy can alter the color.
There is a possibility that when the new repaired gelcoat on your boat "fades" it will become a closer color match.
I always try to park on the inside of docks to reduce the possibility that some idiot on a water rat will not run into my boat.
If the shop you used to repair your boat quoted a flat rate for the repairs, and they have sprayed the boat three different times to get the color to match, they probably did not make any money on your boat.
You might be able to negotiate a deal where you let them have your boat when it is layed up for the winter, and they can do some more experimenting with a color match, when they are slow, and you are not in a hurry to get your boat back before summer is gone.

[DavidF]

RE: Gel Coat Repair

When repairing my '93SN, I purchased the silver cloud gelcoat directly from the CC Dealer. Plus side it was a VERY close match (acceptable for sure, but noticable if looking). Negative side is you have to purchase one gallona at about $200/gallon. My repair required the entire gallon, so unfortunately I have none left to send you. Keep in mind that shelf life is about one year.