Resealing fibreglass roof

[slowcoach]

Hi all,
My fibreglass poptop leaks. I've come to the conclusion that it's actually become permeable, being of age, and sun battered (Australian van). It looks decent, but there are hairline cracks and some roughness.

Is there a gel coat like tin of something, that I can just brush over the whole thing to re water proof it? Clear if possible, the roof is yellow.

Anything I've looked at seems to be for obvious repairs, like holes etc.

Cheers all

[H Julia]

Hi there, check our Dubworth's entry on 2 December 2019 entitled Winterising - he recommends a fibreglass sealant called Finish Kare 1000 p for the roof.

Cheers,

Julia

[slowcoach]

Thanks Julia, yes I'd seen that. I think I need something that's a bit more integral than a wax.

I've just found this,
https://www.mbfg.co.uk/clear-brush-gelcoat.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Which sounds like a clear paintable gel coat. I'll phone them tomorrow to get more information and see if it's suitable.

[H Julia]

Sounds interesting. Be good to hear whether they feel it's suitable or not. To date I've just sealed mine with a wax coating which makes it easier to keep clean , but it's a good age now and may benefit from more protection! Julia

[slowcoach]

After a few phone calls and reading around, I've settled on this product:

https://owatrol.com/en/recherche-12677- ... ytrol.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Owatrol seems to be the same as penetrol sold in the US and Australia. Which has good reports on the samba for poptops. It's an oil based solvent that soaks in, rather than a topical covering layer. From the tech sheet:

Restores the colour to dull and faded gelcoats and plastics.
• Rejuvenates flat and chalky paint and varnish work, dulled by weathering.
• Deep penetrating - Re-invigorates the pigments, working from the inside out.
• Eliminates the need for waxes and polishes.
• Non-film forming. No peeling or flaking.
• Fills the micro-cavities of the surface - Forms a waterproof protective layer.
• Long lasting performance. Protects against corrosion.
• Easy to apply and maintain. Silicone free. Works on Plexiglass.
• Eliminates rust traces from Stainless Steel and white rust from oxidised metals.
• Restores tarnished aluminium and dulled metals. No need to polish.
Basic uses • Horizontal and vertical surfaces.
• Plastic, Gelcoats - Boat Hulls, Boat Decks, Cabins...
• Polished Metal - Chrome and brass fittings.
• Aluminium - Masts, Mast heads, Booms, Portholes, Deck hatches...
• Stainless Steel - Handrails, Stanchions, Gantries, Hull and deck ventilators, Turnbuckles...
• Coatings - Paint, Varnish.
• Non-marine - Hubcaps, Chrome bumpers (cars, motorcycles), Aluminium windows, Tiling,
Terracotta tiles, Marble...

Ive ordered some anyway (£30 a litre) so will report back...

[mariner]

Having lifted my roof the other day for the first time in months, I've come to same conclusion after finding the cushions in the pop wet! Be interested to hear how you get on slowcoach.

[slowcoach]

Im just waiting for some dry weather ! I need the root to dry out completely before putting the owatrol on.

I have washed it clean with scrubbing, jet wash and vinegar though.. urghh muckier than I thought! Must look up there more often..

[rollercoaster]

Owatroll seems like a cure all,
cant wait for the report.
Might have to get some,
wonder how far it goes a litre.

[slowcoach]

I hope so. I'm doing a re lining of the poptop inside too, and chasing down condensation (which might be a large part of my problem). I've also re done the cable entry from the panels in a much better way. If it's dry tomorrow, I might do the owatrol, so will post back then.

[DM164]

I hope so. I'm doing a re lining of the poptop inside too, and chasing down condensation (which might be a large part of my problem). I've also re done the cable entry from the panels in a much better way. If it's dry tomorrow, I might do the owatrol, so will post back then.

Did you manage to get round to this before the weather took a turn?
I'm thinking about following in your footsteps
D

Sent from my CLT-L29 using Tapatalk

[slowcoach]

Sort of! I hastily put some on duri g a brief dry spell. I'm working away in Bristol though so away from the van for a while.

It's definitely solvent based, it stinks, and it broke down some old redundant mastic up there. It soaked in to a degree which was good, and has more of a shine to the roof where I applied it. I need to do another coat really, and do it all over.

The 1ltr tin should do a number of coats using a brush to push it around.

[slowcoach]

To follow this up,I've used it properly now. Water beads on the roof like it never has before, and runs off much more readily - like a re-waterproofed tent. It's glossier in colour too. It's stopped the damp feel to the touch I had on the underside of the roof after heavy rain (all the sodding time at mo), which I had believed wrongly was condensation. I think it's great stuff and worth it if you think your fibreglass is suspect.

[mariner]

To follow this up,I've used it properly now. Water beads on the roof like it never has before, and runs off much more readily - like a re-waterproofed tent. It's glossier in colour too. It's stopped the damp feel to the touch I had on the underside of the roof after heavy rain (all the sodding time at mo), which I had believed wrongly was condensation. I think it's great stuff and worth it if you think your fibreglass is suspect.

Thanks for reporting back, think it's time to get on with mine! Can I just check I'm buying the right stuff from the link you posted - is it the Owatrol Oil Paint conditioner and Rust Inhibitor? Cheers, and thanks again.

[Winchweight]

Great feedback - I have the same job to do this Spring.

[slowcoach]

To follow this up,I've used it properly now. Water beads on the roof like it never has before, and runs off much more readily - like a re-waterproofed tent. It's glossier in colour too. It's stopped the damp feel to the touch I had on the underside of the roof after heavy rain (all the sodding time at mo), which I had believed wrongly was condensation. I think it's great stuff and worth it if you think your fibreglass is suspect.

Thanks for reporting back, think it's time to get on with mine! Can I just check I'm buying the right stuff from the link you posted - is it the Owatrol Oil Paint conditioner and Rust Inhibitor? Cheers, and thanks again.

No it's called something like 'gel coat restorer', but I'll get a photo of the tin tomorrow [THUMBS UP SIGN]