Body filler first or gelcoat first

[Bob B.]

Hi all,

The last time I painted a Corvette, I used body filler and then applied the gel-coat, which has held up nicely, so maybe that is the way to go, but what is the word on applying gel-coat and then using the body filler?

Thanks,

Bob

[Wayne W.]

Re: Body filler first or gelcoat first

Would be helpful to know what year. Fiberglass types changed. Recommendations are dependent.

[Russ S.]

Re: Body filler first or gelcoat first

Always gel coat first. It is the same type of product as the F/G.

[Chris S.]

Re: Body filler first or gelcoat first

I always apply body filler over bare glass - do all your repairs on bare glass.
I do not gel coat - OE did not use it and there are PLENTY of great 2k products that hold down repairs and filler.
Question - why do want to use gel coat?IMG_0890.jpg

[Domenic T.]

Re: Body filler first or gelcoat first

The 2 part epoxy primers do the job over the body filler just fine. I only saw gel coat on boats. It cracks when thick.

Dom

[Bill W.]

Re: Body filler first or gelcoat first

I agree with Chris .

[Bob B.]

Re: Body filler first or gelcoat first

Hi all,

I know gel coat was not used on Corvettes, but the panels were new and clean. One reason to use gel coat is to put a seal over fiberglass strands that may have wicked solvents or something else down into the glass to keep that from appearing later when the car is sitting in the sun. It is also fairly thick and can fill in minor imperfections. I am no expert, but folks that know way more than I do about painting swear by it.

Thanks for your comments and any more are also welcomed.

Bob

[Wayne W.]

Re: Body filler first or gelcoat first

Still I don't know what year, but using gel coat on later SMC or replacement SMC is inviting problems. If it is all early stuff it really doesn't make any difference which is used first. They are essentially the same product with different fillers.

[Chris S.]

Re: Body filler first or gelcoat first

Hi Bob
The photo I posted is of a 1953 I did all the body work on.
Hand laid cloth car - talk about strands sticking up - just rub your arm on it and it hurts.....
Seriously....there are now high build and high quality 2 part products that do a great job.
Every car I have seen gel coated is WAYY too thick. First thing I do....strip it.....strip it to bare glass
I do all my Glasin, crack repairs, body filler etc... right to bare glass.
When done - primer that with a good 2k product
I like to use a 2k product that uses MEKP as a hardener....less shrinkage.
Product like Clausen, Feather Fill, Slick Sand, and there are others.
Its what works for me.