Filler and polishing material?

sogood

Hi all.
I have finally gotten around to starting the restoration/upgrade of my Microplus. I have a good idea of what I want to do and how to go about it and have begun by stripping off most of the bits and pieces in preparation for a good rub down of the (original) gelcoat on the upper/cabin section, (Is there an official name for this part of a boat?)
This involved much drilling/grinding/cutting etc. as many of th bolts were (rusted) mild steel. Still a few more bits to come off. I have started sanding the hull, which is, so far, in very good shape, with no evidence of any repairs from the inside.
However, I have started to uncover a number of small, shallow rub marks and chips which I want to fill before painting, so, what's th bet material for the job? I have used body filler on cars in the past, but imagine that a boat filler might need a little more flexibilty. Is there somehing more specific for the job?

Also, what's the best thing to use to bring the gelcoat back to life? Something like T-cut I presume? And finally, given that I live in Kerry, where's the best place to get such materials, including fibreglass mat and resin etc.

Many thanks and pics will follow shortly.

fergal.b

Hi sogood to have you here for small repairs in the gelcoat use plastic padding
http://www.marineparts.ie/paint-and-maintenance/epoxy-repair-kits/plastic-padding-gelcoat-filler.html if your gelcoat is coloured you can also get mixers to match it up. For polishing I use G3 compound you should be able to get it in any motor factors, if you are using it on a high speed polisher make sure to keep it wet I use water in a spray bottle, if the scratches are very bad you can sand it with 1000,1500 and 2000 grit wet sandpaper and then polish.


Any of these should have what you need and will post but I'm sure there is a marine shop nearer to you.
http://www.shorebreaksurfboards.com/
http://www.marineparts.ie/paint-and-maintenance/epoxy-repair-kits/
http://www.chmarine.com/acatalog/Marine-Epoxy-Fillers.html

Best of luck,I look forward to the photos



.

sogood

Thanks for that. I thought maybe that plastic padding might do, as the repairs are very light, more cosmetic to be honest, prior to painting. I will look into the G3 compound and will put up some pics shortly. Thanks again.