Fibre glass/ gel coat repair

[Boatybob]

Unfortunately reversed into a tap on site and punched hole in rear of van. See photo attached. As I live in Jersey and van is in UK, I have sealed the hole with white tack temporarily but will need to repair when I get back to UK for 3 weeks on 26th July. Checked all You Tube videos and advices but would welcome any advice with regard to repair of this. Thanks as always.

 

[toad a caravan]

The image is not large enough to make details out,glass fibre repairing is pretty much simple,just time consuming doing the preparation work,

 

[Boatybob]

Edited to show better image. Sorry about that. should I use gel coat filler?

 

[toad a caravan]

Is this it

 

[toad a caravan]

Can you get to the back of the damaged section?if you can you could put a patch on made from glass fibre mat,if not you could use a bridging filler, the gel contains the colour pigment in the resin which is applied first the the Glass fibre Matt is built up from then on by the makers.Bridgeing filler contains the resin plus chopped up glass fibre Matt which helps maintain the structural integrity,once applied it is rubbed down and a fine filler applied,at this point I generally cheat an cover the repair with clingefilm to give a smooth finish before a final sanding,at top coat of paint applied obtained by colour matching spray can available made up by a good vehicle paint suppliers

 

[Boatybob]

Yes but it’s a rough surface inside. See new photo

 

[toad a caravan]

Probably best doing it with the bridgeing filler then,,tool station may have it

 

[toad a caravan]

If you need further clarity let me know 👍.....good luck Gary

 

[Boatybob]

Thanks for your input Gary, I will check out
bridging filler.

 

[Mr Plodd]

If you seek out a coach and bus bodywork repairer they will probably be able to sort that out during their lunch hour for a small amount of cash! (Buses and coaches are constructed with similar materials to caravans)
DONT go to a car bodyshop, they only know about metal, or fitting new parts.

 

[Guzzilazz]

What you can see is the glass fibre matting part of the lay-up. The issue with polyester/glass mouldings is that a polyester based repair doesn't really adhere to the existing cured resin. For a small "ding" like that you would be best to use epoxy resin, mixed with a mica or micro ballon filler (both look a bit like talcum powder). Try and make it as neat as possible, but when cured you can rub it down. The important final step is to paint over the top. Epoxy sticks very well but isn't UV resistant.

How do I know? Years a s a GRP boat owner!

 

[borderbilly]

Get some reversing lessons.

 

[Boatybob]

What you can see is the glass fibre matting part of the lay-up. The issue with polyester/glass mouldings is that a polyester based repair doesn't really adhere to the existing cured resin. For a small "ding" like that you would be best to use epoxy resin, mixed with a mica or micro ballon filler (both look a bit like talcum powder). Try and make it as neat as possible, but when cured you can rub it down. The important final step is to paint over the top. Epoxy sticks very well but isn't UV resistant.

How do I know? Years a s a GRP boat owner!

Thank you for the detailed advice. Very helpful and will be followed.

 

[Boatybob]

Get some reversing lessons.

Got enough agro from the wife for not using the mover!!

 

[toad a caravan]

boatbob,I've put a couple of images on chit chat section,they are of a boat I did some time ago