Chipped Fiberglass

[Bobik96]

Do the experts here recommend bondo or glue the missing piece back then bondo?

 

I received this "CB" helmet with a few small hairline cracks in the gelcoat. I repaired those with Bondo and they've held up great.

 

It's not really that bad. This helmet needed repainted anyway. It was turning yellow.

 

Here is the detached piece in place.

[Bobik96]

Well I found this. This looks like a better option. Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/formula-27-polyester-miracle-mender-filler-38161.html

[gmrhodes13]

I have used bondo before, fills the gaps but isn't very strong, I have also had some success with paintable silicon, at least it flexes.

[Chef]

If you can find this or similar your side of the pond, it's awesome stuff.

 

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Plastic-Padding-Gelcoat-Filler-165g-Free-Gloves-Fibre-Glass-Repair-New-ZS97-/112198077770?hash=item1a1f86cd4a:g:RxIAAMXQ74JTRQVi

 

 

Although to be honest, chips in the gelcoat can be repaired with more gelcoat!

[Bobik96]

Thank you gentlemen. I think I found something comparable Rob. I think this project will wait until the spring when I can complete it in a warm garage.

 

I do have another question. With a polyurethane type paint that is turning yellow, is primer recommended if I will be spraying with a rattle can automotive "brighter" white? Originally I sprayed it white then used rattle can automotive black on the snout area directly on the white. It has held up perfectly for two years.

[Stroker]

Yes use primer. I hate poly paints. When you go to paint it pick a quality paint and matching primer.

[Retrofire]

Yes use primer. I hate poly paints. When you go to paint it pick a quality paint and matching primer.

Tim do you mean use a separate primer and paint rather than an "all in one"? I'm planning to paint my son's WTF armor and I want to do it right the first time.

[Chef]

Yeah. Always use a separate primer.

 

And make sure the primer is of the same type/manufacturer as the top coat.

 

Paint is an incredibly fickle thing. Get the wrong ones and they'll react like a Gammorean with a toothache.

[Bugz]

".... they'll react like a Gammorean with a toothache."

 

.....best quote ever..... (I even know some women that act the same way!.... shhhhhhhh!)

[Retrofire]

Yeah. Always use a separate primer.

 

And make sure the primer is of the same type/manufacturer as the top coat.

 

Paint is an incredibly fickle thing. Get the wrong ones and they'll react like a Gammorean with a toothache.

Message received Chef! I'll be sure to use separate primer and paint and the same maker. Thanks all for the lessons!

[frozeneli]

I would glue and then use thin layers of bondo. I ve done similar fixes on other helmets.

[Bobik96]

Do any of you have experience with acrylic spray paints? I know regular acrylic flexes. Does the acrylic in a can flex and look good?

 

I have a couple small hairline cracks in the paint. Possibly from the helmet flexing a bit.

[Chef]

Most paints are naturally quite flexible, unless they are applied in a very thick layer, in which case they are susceptible to splitting.

 

Using automotive paints, be they acrylics, cellulose or two-pack is always a good idea.

[Bobik96]

Most paints are naturally quite flexible, unless they are applied in a very thick layer, in which case they are susceptible to splitting.

 

Using automotive paints, be they acrylics, cellulose or two-pack is always a good idea.

Thanks again Rob. I didn't think it was too thick but I am a novice painter. It also took a hard impact at some point.