Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Cosmetic Gelcoat Repair Course

This course teaches you to repair surface damage to gelcoat: scratches, star cracks, impacts and chips. You will learn to match color, apply gelcoat by brush or spray gun and achieve an invisible finish through polishing.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
Program diagnosis

Prior knowledge check

These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.

Your diagnosis
6of 6 to cover

You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.

About the program

What is the Cosmetic Gelcoat Repair Course?

This short course teaches you to repair surface damage to gelcoat: scratches, star cracks, impacts and chips. You will assess whether a crack is in the gelcoat or in the laminate, prepare the repair by opening, bevelling and degreasing, match color with pigment pastes and tone tests, apply catalysed gelcoat with wax additive or a touch-up gun, and finish by wet sanding and compounding.

What sets this course apart: an invisible finish, with blending and polishing techniques; color, with pigments and tone adjustment; diagnosis, so you know when damage is cosmetic and when it is structural; difficult surfaces, including non-slip, edges and curved areas; and an applied case in which you repair an impact on the bow.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Invisible finish: blending and polishing techniques for a seamless repair.
  • Color: pigment pastes and tone adjustment, including aged whites.
  • Diagnosis: telling cosmetic damage from structural damage.
  • Application: correct catalysing, wax additive and touch-up spray guns.
  • Difficult surfaces: molded non-slip, edges and curved areas.
  • Applied case: repairing an impact on the bow with color matching and polishing.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Cosmetic Gelcoat Repair Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Gelcoat and its defects

  • 1.1. What gelcoat is: isophthalic and NPG resins, pigments, fillers and usual layer thickness
  • 1.2. Typical damage: scratches, star cracks, chips, impacts and chalking from UV radiation
  • 1.3. Distinguishing cosmetic from structural damage through inspection and tap testing
  • 1.4. Aging, yellowing and oxidation of gelcoat through sun and salt exposure
  • 1.5. Tools, consumables and safety: styrene, MEKP catalyst, dust and suitable PPE
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Preparing the damaged area

  • 2.1. Opening cracks into a V with a burr or rotary tool to remove the entire fissure
  • 2.2. Bevelling edges, keying and cleaning with acetone without leaving residue
  • 2.3. Prior repair of damaged laminate with filler or fiberglass when the impact is deep
  • 2.4. Masking the area, protecting fittings and controlling temperature and humidity
  • 2.5. Stress-related star cracks: identifying the cause so they do not reappear
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Color and gelcoat application

  • 3.1. Color matching with pigment pastes: whites, creams and aged tones
  • 3.2. Tone tests on a cured sample and adjustment in natural light against the hull
  • 3.3. Catalysing with MEKP: ratios according to temperature and gel time
  • 3.4. Gelcoat with wax additive or surface wax and PVA film for tack-free curing
  • 3.5. Application by spatula, brush or touch-up gun and thicknesses that allow for sanding
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Sanding, compounding and polishing

  • 4.1. Progressive wet sanding from 320 to 2000 grit with a hard block to keep the surface flat
  • 4.2. Polishing with rotary and dual-action polishers, wool and foam pads and working speeds
  • 4.3. Cutting compounds, finishing compounds and polishes: sequence and temperature control
  • 4.4. Blending the repair into the surrounding gelcoat and removing holograms
  • 4.5. Waxing and final protection with waxes or polymer sealants for UV resistance
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Special cases and practical case

  • 5.1. Repairing molded non-slip with silicone molds and texture replication
  • 5.2. Edges, corners, curved areas and hull-to-deck joints: shaping techniques
  • 5.3. General restoration of oxidised gelcoat: sanding, full polishing and protection
  • 5.4. Estimating times, consumables and quotations for cosmetic repairs
  • 5.5. Practical case: complete repair of an impact on the bow with color matching and polishing
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Cosmetic Gelcoat Repair Course

It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
6
months to finish
25 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Cosmetic Gelcoat Repair Course

01Assess gelcoat damage.
02Prepare damaged areas.
03Match the color.
04Apply repair gelcoat.
05Compound and polish finishes.
06Repair molded non-slip.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Cosmetic Gelcoat Repair Course

01Gelcoat repair technicianboatyards, shipyards and composites workshops.
02Marine polisher and detailerboat cleaning and detailing services.
03Hull maintenance technicianmarinas and charter bases.
04Self-employed GRP repairermobile service in leisure ports.
05Maintenance deckhandcosmetic care of private yachts.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Cosmetic Gelcoat Repair Course

With pigment pastes and tone tests on cured samples. Module 3 explains the process and how to adjust aged tones.

Gelcoat without wax stays tacky on the surface because it cures in contact with air. Wax additive or PVA film allows a full cure so it can be sanded.

They are usually caused by stress or flexing of the laminate. The course teaches you to identify the cause before repairing so they do not return.

Yes. Module 5 covers replicating non-slip textures with silicone molds and techniques for curved areas and edges.

Often, yes. Module 5 explains how sanding, full polishing and protection can bring back gloss when the gelcoat still has enough thickness.

The course is taught online and comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied practical case.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at boatyard technicians, marine detailers, crew members and boat owners who want to repair surface gelcoat damage to a professional finish.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
  • Admission: enrollment is open all year round; online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $240 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

Any questions?

Ask us before you enroll

Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.

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