86 10 ... Repair work on GFP components with Gelcoat surface

Scratches in Gelcoat surface

Scratches in the Gelcoat surface which do not allow the GFP mat structure to show through can be touched up. Sand out scratches with water and 800 wet sandpaper. Then sand with water and 2000 wet sandpaper. Prepare repair area for polishing (refer to Original BMW Painting Handbook Chapter 8).

Cracks in Gelcoat surface

Sand the cracked area in a V shape beyond the end of the crack and clean.

There must be no grease or oil residues, moisture or dust remaining in the crack to be repaired.

When repairing holes such as e.g. rivet holes, deburr hole edge and heavily roughen large area around hole.

Prepare required amount of Gelcoat paste with 2% hardener and fill prepared repair area with spatula.

Apply Gelcoat paste in several applications to repair areas.

Adhere to mixture ratio (2 parts hardener to 100 parts Gelcoat paste) as precisely as possible.

Too much added hardener slows down the hardening time and changes the paint color.

The hardening period is at least 12 hours at 20° C room temperature.

The hardening period can be longer depending on the temperature.

Once the Gelcoat paste has hardened, sand the touched-up area with water and 800 wet sandpaper. Sand with water and 2000 wet sandpaper and prepare for polishing.