Repairing Fiberglass hole.

[Jasonc]

Hello All. I have a 2013 travel trailer that I put a hole into on the bottom rear panel. I'm pretty sure I can repair this in my driveway but the answers that I am getting from my local hardware store are a little confusing. The hole goes all the way through to the aluminum frame and I'm not able to access the back side of the hole.

So my questions are:

Do I repair with a fiberglass patch and then gel-coat or can I use just the gel-coat?

Can I use a body filler or putty then use gel -coat?

How thick are you able to apply gel-coat and have it work?

How should I proceed with this?

I was able to add a piece of 1/8" vaneer for a backing which matches the factory. I am not wanting to use the fiberglass patch unless I absolutely have to. If I'm able to patch the spot to keep moisture out and make it look half way descent I will be happy. I currently
have a 16oz can of Evercoat Marine Premium Gel-Kote #105673, Evercoat mold release agent #105685, Evercoat Fiberglass patch kit #100637, a brush, and a putty knife.

Thanks for your time and help.

[gordon2]

Photos help

[Jasonc]

I'm new to this forum and I'm trying to post a picture. Not sure how.

[Darwin Maring]

Would it be possible to form some aluminum flashing, secure it then fiberglass over that?

[Jasonc]

I made up some 1/8" pieces of wood to fit in as backing. That is how the factory did it and the gel-cote directions says to use on wood. Do I have to use fiberglass or could I use filler putty and then gel-cote over that? After installing the wood backing there is only a thint layer that would need to be filled.

[Darwin Maring]

What is the outcome of the patch project?

[Jasonc]

Thanks for the interest. I used a piece of 1/8" vaneer as backing and applied a good amount of Evercoat's type 27 body filler. I Let that cure and sanded it down to just below the edge where the existing fiberglass meets the type 27. Today I will brush on a layer of Gel-Coat and wet sand to finish.