How to repair High Gloss Gel Coat

[Johnsonw]

Long and short is, I had an accident with my 5th wheel and I now have a 2" X 36" tear in my High Gloss Gel Coat siding. The siding is gouged ~1/4" deeptotally expossing the raw fiberglass. What is the best way to repair it?
Thanks

[TLightning]

When I had that problem, maybe a bit more serious, I took it to a boat repair shop that specialized in fiberglass. Looks brand new.

[Johnsonw]

I was planning on doing the repair myself, just looking for some direction.
Thanks

[dieselguy]

The skin of our fivers is actually made of gelcoated filon unless they've changed process in the last few years. Unless you have previous fiberglass body repair experience and the equipment to assist in the repair ... I'd suggest just bite the bullet and have it done by professionals. After the base fill on the gouge ... assuming you have the gun to do it with ... Gelcoat is very difficult to spray on uniformly in a horizontal position let alone vertical. Then there's color match (there are many shades of white then factor in UV exposure), many stages of wet sanding, stages of compounding and buffing. When you talk of high gloss gelcoat, I'm assuming your unit is fairly new ... it would be a shame to end up with an even more embarrassing spot repair that someone else is going to have to start all over with (read extra $$$$) to make it look like anything. If it's an insurance issue ... use money set aside for rainy days. If looks is not an issue and you just want it filled ... Google fiberglass repair and go from there.

[Johnsonw]

I have removed the decals from my 5th wheel and I am planning on painting a silver swish pattern on the sides of my 5th wheel, to match my truck. Therefore the color match is not an issue. I've done some minor fiberglass repairs in the past. I'm retired, so I have more free time, than free cash.

[K0LCB]

Did you try duct tape?

[Johnsonw]

Perfect, that would cover the hole and serve as a silver swish!

[JandC]

From my boating days I recall that the gel coat has to be a good match for repairs, for example there are several "whites" and if you don't know what you are doing it will look like crap. But if you are going to cover it up with some art work then maybe you could pull it off. I would still stop by a boat yard if there is one available and pick the brain of their fiberglass guy.