Patent Publication Number: US-9403189-B2

Title: Fiberglass gel coat color match and repair system and method utilizing a multi chamber dispenser device

Description:
REFERENCES CITED: 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 5,554,197 
                 September 1996 
                 Assini 
               
               
                   
                 US2007/0136958 A1 
                 June 2007 
                 Draghiceanu 
               
               
                   
                 6,440,175 B1 
                 August 2002 
                 Stanley, III 
               
               
                   
                 EP1563757 A1 
                 August 2005 
                 Hayun 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,906 B1 
                 November 2001 
                 Tesfaye 
               
               
                   
                 7,222,752 
                 May 2007 
                 Ponton 
               
               
                   
                 6,464,107 B1 
                 October 2002 
                 Brugger 
               
               
                   
                 US2009/0052971 
                 February 2009 
                 Pires 
               
               
                   
                 5,971,210 
                 October 1999 
                 Brugger 
               
               
                   
                 6,138,870 
                 October 2000 
                 Lin 
               
               
                   
                 D361,509 
                 August 1995 
                 Dull 
               
               
                   
                 D497,104S 
                 October 2004 
                 Best 
               
               
                   
                 D628,086S 
                 November 2010 
                 Tanner 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 7,461,987 B2 
                 December 2008 
                 Liechty 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,920,904 B2 
                 July 2005 
                 Yquel 
               
               
                   
                 D635,459S 
                 April 2011 
                 Renz 
               
               
                   
                 US 2012/0031925 
                 February 2012 
                 Greenberg 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of fiberglass gel coat repair and color matching. More particularly, the present invention relates to kits for color matched repair of fiberglass and gel coat surfaces. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The repair of fiberglass gel coat surfaces is often a complex, difficult, and a messy procedure. More often than not, it is performed by a skilled professional due to these undesirable complexities. This type of repair or project is often best left to the seasoned professional in order to achieve a close and acceptable color match that is structurally sound and applied to hold up to the elements and last for years. 
     Epoxies, gel coats, adhesives, binders, and other additives used in fiberglass gel coat repair exist in a number of different delivery, carrier, and mixing system formats. For example, gel coats can come in pastes, liquids, one-part, two-part, and even multiple-part formats. Each different format requires and involves different measuring, mixing, and handling of the components contained in the kit. The combination of all of these different formats, exemplifies the complexity and the confusion often associated with the repair of fiberglass gel coat surfaces. These numerous challenges in the typical repair kit can be intimidating enough to scare off the more seasoned do-it-yourselfer. 
     Another impediment and problem faced by individuals in the repair of fiberglass gel coat surfaces is the need for repair kits to be clean, simple, affordable, and be a consistent and repeatable means for the repair of scratches, nicks, cracks and small holes in fiberglass gel coat surfaces. Often times, what is available for purchase and available to use by the do-it-yourself repair person in the retail market is a multitude of colors and hardeners, fillers, and binders that must be mixed together to achieve a color match that with much luck and frustration, results in a color that might be close in matching the surface that is being repaired. Not only must these components be properly mixed to achieve a correct color match, they must also be mixed and combined in such a way to properly ensure structural integrity for a long lasting and appealing structural and cosmetic repair. To add to the confusion, many of the kits that exist and are for sale in the retail market come with colors that the consumer will never use and will eventually end up in the landfill. 
     A majority of the present day kits offer multiple components with little instruction in terms of color matching. Typical mix and match gel coat repair kits consist of a gel coat paste, six or more coloring agents, hardener solution, mixing sticks and mixing cups, and mixing and color blending instructions. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the general purpose and objective of the present invention to provide a method of gel coat color matching and a system and method of delivery and dispensing that offers convenience, ease of use, and consistent and repeatable color matches and repairs that are structurally and cosmetically justified and acceptable. Therefore in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a gel coat color match system including a multi chamber dispenser containing a base color in one reservoir, and including a tint or shade variation in the additional reservoirs. 
     The system further includes a means to identify color of the repaired surface against the included color match card to identify proper color mix ratio. By instruction and visual match, it is also an object of this invention to provide a unique packaging system and method of delivery that facilitates accurate cosmetic and structural repairs to fiberglass gel coated surfaces. Through the utilization and the ability to achieve variable ratios in the pump heads of this delivery system, the consumer will achieve accurate color matches and metered mix ratios that will simplify the task of fiberglass gel coat color matching and consistent proportioning of base and tint colors to ensure a structurally sound repair consistently and without the mess and waste of the typical repair kits in the market. 
     It is further an object of this invention to provide a unique method of delivery of resins and or paint in the repair and maintenance of fiberglass gel coat surfaces. It is also an object of this invention to provide a color mixing delivery system that takes the guess work out matching existing surfaces. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a kit for repairing gel coat surfaces and structures which eliminates the need for coloring agents to be included therein. 
     An advantage of the present day invention and system and method there of is that it is easy to use. 
     Another advantage of the present inventions is that it is convenient to use. 
     Another advantage of the present day invention is that it is a method developed and manufactured for combining readily available materials and combining them for use in a new and unique way as to promote and produce a new product and invention. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a color mixing method and delivery system having variant degrees of mixing colors in one simple step. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it is a cost effective alternative to existing methods and systems of do-it-yourself repair and offers an alternative to the cost associated with the hiring of a seasoned and skilled professional. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an overview of the contents that are included with the present invention. The contents include, but are not limited to: a color match card, polishing packet, liquid hardener, alcohol wipe, plastic release film, mixing stick, instructions, sand paper, and a multi chamber bottle. 
         FIG. 2  showing written instruction included in the gel coat color match repair kit. 
         FIG. 3  showing audible and visual instruction in the form of a cd or dvd. 
         FIG. 4  showing packaging QR code that links users to videos and website links pertaining to the instruction of the gel coat color match repair kit. 
         FIG. 5  showing the features of a single pump multi chamber container. 
         FIG. 5 a    is a front view schematic illustrating the type of label used on a single pump multi chamber container. 
         FIG. 6  showing storage position of single pump multi chamber pump head. 
         FIG. 6 a    showing pump head priming position and priming instruction detail. 
         FIG. 6 b    showing a cross section of  FIG. 6 a    and showing possible reservoir orientation. 
         FIG. 7  showing the adjustable pump head and the rotation of the adjustable pump head in order to achieve a correct color match. 
         FIGS. 8A-8D  is a flow chart showing the work flow and decisions to be made in a typical repair. 
         FIG. 9  showing the features of a dual pump multi chamber container. 
         FIG. 9 a    showing the dual pump multi chamber container held to show the orifice and base cap. 
         FIG. 9 b    showing included and optional replacement color reservoir. 
         FIG. 10  showing a schematic view of the label that would be affixed to the dual pump multi chamber container. 
         FIG. 10 a    showing detail of the color match card and illustrating a color match indicated in highlighted swatch “3” in relation to highlighted area of  FIG. 10 b    missing ratio. 
         FIG. 10 b    showing a detail schematic label for the dual pump multi chamber bottle and illustrating a highlighted “3” selection with a pumping ration of 8:2. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the pumping and priming of reservoir “A” and the relation to the pumping ratio on the label to the corresponding pump. 
         FIG. 11 a    illustrates the pumping and priming of reservoir “B” and the relation to the pumping ratio on the label to the corresponding pump. 
         FIG. 12  showing the use of the container cap as a mixing container. 
         FIG. 13  showing the adding of a catalyst in the form of a liquid hardener to solidify the gel coat mixture. 
         FIG. 14  showing the action of stirring the gel coat composition and liquid hardener with supplied mixing stick. 
         FIG. 15  showing the method of holding the included color match card against the surface to be repaired in order to select proper mixing ration number. 
         FIG. 16  showing the use of the mixing stick to apply the thoroughly mixed gel coat composition to the repair surface. 
         FIG. 17  illustrating the application of the supplied plastic release film to eliminate “sag” on vertical surfaces and to keep out contaminates during the curing time of the gel coat composition. 
         FIG. 17 a    showing plastic release film as applied over the curing gel coat composition repair. 
         FIG. 18  showing the use and instruction of sanding the repair to level using the supplied sanding papers. 
         FIG. 19  illustrating the use of supplied polishing packet. 
         FIG. 20  illustrating the use of wax to finish and add depth and brilliance to the shine and finish of the repair. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     One embodiment of the invention includes a gel coat color match system and method comprising of the steps of; providing a complete gel coat color matching kit  51  with all of the necessary components to complete a finished repair, providing written instruction  40  and visual instruction  41  on how to accomplish a repair using all of the components of the gel coat color matching and repair system, providing a color match card  31  that aids in easily identifying the surface color to be repaired and the correct gel coat color to select on the gel coat color match bottle pump head  60 , ease of applying the gel coat to the surface to be repaired with materials and components included, and providing materials and components to finish the repair and restore the surface using original OEM materials. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention includes a color match card  31 . The color match card  31  identifies the color of the surface to be repaired when the user holds the card up to the surface in  FIG. 15  and visually selects the color swatch that best matches on the color match card  31 . Upon selecting the closest match, the color match card  31  will reference a number associated to the color swatch selected and instruction will be given on how to dispense the color selected in relation to the color match number selected. The same referenced shades of color indicated on the color match card  31 , as well as the referenced number selected, are also shown on the bottle label  52  in the same format as the color match card  31 . The color match card instructs the user on the correct adjustment selection to make on the multi chamber bottle with single pump head  23  and also indicates the correct ratio to pump on the multi chamber bottle with multi pump head  24 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes an option for a replaceable reservoir  27  system. The multi chamber reservoir bottle  32  has the ability to be a one-time use system and also has the ability to be a multi-use bottle that can be dismantled, cleaned, and reservoirs replaced. In embodiments where it is a multi-use product, the kit  51  can include additional reservoirs  27  and additional reservoirs  27  can be purchased. Additional reservoirs can be purchased and used to modify colors. To dismantle and exchange color reservoirs  27 , bottom cap  28  screws off, old reservoir slides out, new reservoir  27  slides and locks into place, base cap  28  screws back on and gel coat color match bottle pump head  60  is primed according to label instruction  45 . 
     The delivery formats and carriers used in accordance with the present invention, system and method thereof, may be of liquids, gels, crèmes, or pastes. Any other delivery format which meets the criteria of a liquid, gel, crème or paste gel coat may also be used. The carrier must be capable of providing gel coat formulations which are sufficiently viscous so as to avoid substantial spreading upon being expelled from the spout of the containers described within. The phrase “substantial spreading upon being dispensed” should be understood to mean that the fiberglass gel coat solutions and formulations can be dispensed in such a way as to retain and temporarily maintain the dispensed shape unlike the properties of viscous materials similar to the viscosity of water, where, the fluid body does not hold its shape at room temperature and tends to flow rapidly in the direction that gravity pulls it. On the other hand, it is not the intent to use formulations that are so viscous rendering the method of blending, mixing, dispensing, and applying difficult. 
     While the viscosity and formulations of the gel coat resin compositions used in accordance with the present invention, system, and method thereof are important, more so is the manner in which the formulations are color matched to the surface and substrate to be repaired, the repeatable delivery thereof, and the use of instruction as an aid in the ease of use, product understanding, and efficiency of application. 
     This aspect of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the figures. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 9 , variations of multi chamber reservoir bottle  21  in  FIG. 5  and multi chamber reservoir bottle  22  in  FIG. 9  with attached single pump head  23  in  FIG. 5  and with attached multi pump head  24  in  FIG. 10  can be provided for retaining and dispensing gel coat resin formulations and solutions. It is also possible for a single container  21  to include a plurality of reservoirs  27  for different gel coats, resins, and paints, and at least one dispensing pump head  60 . For example, a single container  21  may be provided having two or more reservoirs  27  of the same or different volume. A base color and additional shade and tint colors can be housed in each of the separate reservoirs  27 , and a single dispensing means may be provided with a single orifice  25  or a plurality of orifices  26  such that both the base color and the tint and shade colors can be dispensed proportionately together, singularly, or mixed proportionately in a predetermined and selected ratio. Alternatively, a separate mechanism and apparatus for each reservoir may be provided. 
     More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the container  21  may be formed from semi rigid, opposed reservoirs  27  in a multitude of shapes that can include, but, are not limited to circles, squares, triangles, rectangles and ovals. As shown in  FIG. 6 b   , these reservoir shapes are typical to multi chamber dispensing bottles having parallel and opposed reservoirs  54  connected by means of a base cap  28 . Additionally, the container may be in the form of a piston actuated multi chambered container where the gel coat compositions are dispensed with a push action in addition to the pre mentioned pump style containers where the base color and additional tint and shade colors are pulled or drawn from the reservoirs  27 . The reservoir and the container may be made of an appropriate material that will not degredate, alter, and change in structure and chemical composition when in contact with the chemical compositions of the contents contained within the reservoirs and that which come in contact with the container parts. Appropriate container materials may include but not be limited to plastic, glass, metal, composite materials and combinations of the same. 
     Each multi reservoir container,  21 , should include a dispensing apparatus referred to as a “pump head”  60 , which may be, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a single pump head  23  and as shown in  FIG. 9  a multi pump head  24  whereas each pump is similar to the action of pumps used for dispensing liquid soaps, but, in a variable mixing head  23  or ratio mixing head  24 . Each dispensing pump head  60  includes a dispensing orifice having a predetermined shape and number of dispensing orifices  25 . Of course, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 9 , the single dispensing orifice  25  and the multi dispensing orifice  26  can have a variety of shapes that can include, but is not limited to a square, triangle, rectangle, circle or an oval. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, single use dispensing tube style reservoirs  27  in  FIG. 9 b    can also be provided, in order to replace gel coat base and tint colors that have been used or depleted. Such a chamber or reservoir  27  tube can also be referred to as a “replacement cartridge”  27 . The size and volume of the replacement cartridge  27  can be pre calculated to deliver sufficient material to accommodate repairs of varied sizes and numbers. As shown in  FIG. 6 b    as part of section A in  FIG. 6 a    are the opposed and parallel reservoirs  27  that may be contained within a typical multi chamber container  21 . 
     Another important aspect of the present invention involves dispensing the gel coat compositions contained within the reservoirs  27  of the container  32 . The present invention provides a convenient, useful, non-messy, and, moreover, a consistent and repeatable method and system to dispense and mix the dispensed components of a base color and tint and shade materials from a dispensing system. Therefore, a measuring chart label  29  contained on the side or across the head of the container, allows one to derive a correct color match and correct dispensing ratio when used in conjunction with color match card  31 . Alternatively, single pump head  23  and multi pump head  24  can be designed to provide for an accurate metering such that fully depressing the pump head  24  in a pump actuated bottle and an actuated piston in a piston actuated dispenser would provide a fixed volume of material in accordance to and in correlation to the instruction shown and read on the “color matching card”  31  and in correlation to the affixed label  29  on the container  21 . 
     Another important aspect of the present invention is to educate and instruct the user and consumer on how to fully use the kit  51  to repair fiberglass gel coat structures and surfaces that are typical of, but not limited to boat, dock box, tub, shower, airplane, and automotive surfaces, bodies, and structures. It is the available and easy to follow instruction and the completeness of a kit  51  that includes all materials necessary to complete the method of a repair within this present invention that allows for ease of use and adds value and monetary savings for the end user. As shown in  FIG. 1 , are the contents and components of the present invention referred to as the “gel coat repair kit”  51 .  FIG. 1  showing contents of “gel coat repair kit”  51  to support the system and method of dispensing, color match, and repair for fiberglass gel coat surfaces and structures. More specifically shown in  FIG. 1  of the present invention, a kit  51  of the gel coat color matching and dispensing system showing the dispenser  32 , color chart  31 , liquid hardener  34 , sand paper  35 , polishing packet  36 , surface cleaner  37 , mixing stick  38 , plastic release film  39 , and instructions  40 . Instructions are to include, but not limited to, formats such as a hard copy paper instruction  40  included within the “gel coat repair kit”  51 , additional cd or dvd instructions  41 , and QR code instructions  42 , whereas the QR code  42  is read by a scanning type of device typical of various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and devices using this technology, and will direct the user and consumer to a web site where instructional videos and additional downloadable and printable instructions  40  and other resources are contained and available. 
     For illustrative purposes and to fully understand the gel coat color matching method and system of the present invention, it is necessary to understand the function and performance of the containers and delivery systems.  FIGS. 5 and 9  represent the possible container types of the present invention. Each container, the single pump variable head bottle  21  of  FIG. 5  and the multi pump ratio bottle  22  of  FIG. 9  will be reviewed and discussed individually to show the function and performance that is inherent to, but, not limited to, the efficiency, compatibility, ease-of-use, consistency, and repeatability of the gel coat color match and repair system and method.  FIG. 5  shows container  21  as a multi chamber, single pump, and variable mixing head  23 . The gel coat color match and repair method and system thereof, can be achieved utilizing multi chamber containers in which the single pump variable head  23  of  FIG. 5  and the multi pump ratio head  24  of  FIG. 9  function in providing and producing consistent and repeatable color matches and mixes. Container  21  of  FIG. 5  shows and describes one embodiment of a container  32  for the delivery of gel coat resin material  30 , wherein, the adjustable variable head  23  allows for the ability to dial in a true color match and control the stroke distance and the amount of material drawn from each individual reservoir  27 , as will be explained more fully below. Stroke distance and the amount of the base color material and the tint and shade color material flowing out of the reservoirs are proportioned internally within the pump head  60 . In an alternate embodiment, an angled disc within the variable pump head  23  limits and allows the distance of the internal plunger to draw and evacuate material from each reservoir  27 . In multi chamber container  21 , having reservoirs  27  filled with a base color material in reservoir “A” and a tint and shade color material in reservoir “B”, the use of the variable head  23  allows for multiple color variations of the base color when combined and mixed with the tint and shade colors. This container  21  is assembled in such a way, that, the base color and the tint and shade colors are drawn from the individual and respective reservoirs  27  that they are contained within, at a calibrated and specific mixing ratio as to afford consistency and repeatability of mixtures and color match compositions. Upon selecting proper color match utilizing the included color match card  31 , as will be described more fully below, one can note the applicable number  44  attached to the color on the color match card  31  and select the same number on the variable head  23  of container  21  by lining up arrow mark  43  with respective number on label  29  in  FIG. 5  and the relative number  44  on the label  52  as shown in  FIG. 5 a   .  FIG. 7  shows variable head  23  rotating on a longitude axis contained within the adjustable head  23  and allows for the arrow mark  43  to “click” via detents into the desired color matching position as determined by the color match number  44  associated on label  52  and on color match card  31 . Before this type of configuration is to be used and for material to flow from each individual reservoir  27  and orifice  25  in  FIG. 5  and orifice  26  in  FIG. 9 a   , the instruction  45  on the backside of label  29 , must be observed and performed. After initial use of the bottle, and, for future use of left over materials in the reservoirs at a later date  FIG. 6 , locate arrow  43  to the “key” position  46  in order to lock the pump button  53  and render the container to the “storage Position”  46 . Performing this instruction will aid in the shelf life of the material and the performance and the function of the remaining gel coat resins in relation to them flowing through adjustable pump head  23 . The aforementioned adjustability and flexibility of color selection when using the gel coat color match repair system and method, allows the user to color match surfaces that have changed slightly in color due to oxidation and exposure to the elements of weather, sun, environment and chemicals. 
     Further to and in addition to the function and performance of container  21  in  FIG. 5  is another variation of the present invention of container  22  in  FIG. 9 , which consists of a multi chamber dual pump ratio mixing head  24 . This configuration has a fixed longitude stroke of each pump  53 . Each pump  53  is connected to an individual reservoir  27  in multi pump configurations  24  and is connected to multiple reservoirs  27  in single pump configurations and will draw gel coat specifically from within that reservoir. Mixing, consistency, and repeatability of gel coat compositions is controlled through a ratio pumping chart  48  in conjunction with color match card  31 . As an illustration of use in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 10 a    for this type of configuration of dual pump system container  22 , and not as a limitation, it is determined that the correct color to match the surface to be repaired is number “3” on the color match card  31 . Upon defining and determining the correct and best possible color match for the surface to be repaired  FIG. 10 a    as number “3” on color match card  31 , it is necessary to refer to the ratio label  48  on container  22  to locate and facilitate the correct mixing ratio on color match card  31  for color match number “3”  44  and as shown in  49 . 
     By way of explanation and not limitation, as highlighted  49  and observed on the label  48  in  FIG. 10 b   , one will find that color match number “3” calls out for a mixing ratio of 8:2. It is to be noted that the label  48  in  FIG. 10 b    is shown as a schematic and is shown not attached to the bottle for reason of illustrative visibility. This ratio of 8:2 references Part A: Part B  33 , as indicated in  FIG. 10 . “A” and “B” respectively relate to chamber and reservoir “A”  47  in  FIG. 11  and chamber and reservoir “B”  48  in  FIG. 11 a    and the number of full strokes as indicated in  FIG. 11 . In this case the ratio is divisible and the possibility to pump in a 4:1 ratio will achieve the same consistent and reliable color match results as in an 8:2 ratio. Thus, it is necessary to achieve the correct color match “3” by fully depressing pump button on side “A”  4  times for every one full stroke of the pump button on side “B” as indicated in the relative sides in  FIG. 11  and in  FIG. 11   a.    
     Another important aspect and advantage of the present system and method is the use of a color match card  31  as a visual aide in achieving an accurate match to the surface being repaired. Existing methods resort to written instruction, which, can often be misleading and confusing. The present system and method of this invention includes written instruction  40  in  FIG. 2  and visual instruction  41  in  FIG. 3 , and, also offers a color match card  31  as a visual means to correctly and accurately determine color choice by holding the color match card  31  against the surface to be repaired and locating and verifying the correct shade and variations of color to be chosen. Upon determining the correct color by holding color match card  31  against the surface to be repaired, one would then reference the label  29  of the included multi chamber container and either dial in the color match  29  on single pump head  23  or locate the mixing ratio  49  on the label  48  of dual pump head  24  of container  22 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the convenient use of the cap  32  included on single pump variable mixing container  21  and dual pump ratio mixing container  22  for the mixing of the selected gel coat composition  30 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , selected color match is dispensed into container cap  32  and mixed with liquid hardener  34  in  FIG. 13 . When the gel coat composition  30  and the liquid hardener  34  are mixed thoroughly together with mixing stick  38 , the liquid hardener  34  acts as the catalyst, causing and promoting a chemical reaction between the gel coat composition  30  and the liquid hardener  34 , thus, result in the transformation of the two mixtures from liquid state to a solid. Liquid hardener  34  is added at a rate of 4 drops per tea spoon of gel coat (2% by volume) after depositing gel coat composition  30  into container cap  32 . Another aspect to the present invention is the inclusion of the cap  32 , to contain and allow for the mixing of the gel coat composition  30  and the liquid hardener  34 . This addition of the cap  34 , adds to the completeness of the kit and does not force the user to make additional purchases, of that which is not existent in existing prior art kits. Upon thoroughly mixing of the gel coat composition  30  and the liquid hardener  34  in  FIG. 14 , the present invention clearly instructs the user to apply mixture within 15 minutes to ensure proper adhesion and workability of the applied gel coat mixture  30 . Upon thoroughly mixing gel coat composition  30  and liquid hardener  34  as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , gel coat composition mixture  30  is then to be applied to properly prepped surface repair  FIG. 16  utilizing the mixing stick  38  included in the present inventions gel coat repair kit  51 . The cap  32  is made of such a type of plastic material that is resistant to adhesion of the catalyzed gel coat composition, and, upon the gel coat composition  30  changing from a liquid to a solid in the catalyzing process, one only has to “pinch” the cap to pop out the hardened gel coat composition, thus, rendering the cap clean and useful for another mixture to be made. Instruction for the prepping of the surface is contained within the included hard copy instructions  40  in  FIG. 2 , additional instructional cd and dvd formats  41  in  FIG. 3 , or the scan able QR code  42  in  FIG. 4  which links users to the website instructional videos and downloadable and printable paper instructions  40 . 
     On vertical surfaces  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 17 a   , where gravity may induce dripping or sagging of the gel coat composition mixture  30 , it will be necessary to cover repair with included clear plastic release film  39  in  FIG. 17 . Supplied release film  39  and a combination of osmosis of the plastic release film  39  against the gel coat composition mixture  30 , allows for the gel coat composition  30  to fully cure without the effects of drips and sags resulting in an acceptable cosmetic repair. Cosmetic repair refers to the type of repair that is based on the look and visual appeal of the finished product and or surface and to the satisfaction of the user. Cosmetic repair is typically on the outer surface and is not considered a structural component. The curing time of the applied gel coat composition will need a curing time of 3 to 8 hours based on temperature and humidity  FIG. 17 . Compensations in curing times when factoring in temperature and humidity are included in the instructions  40 , instructional cd/dvd  41 , and the website instructions available through the QR code  42 .  FIG. 18  illustrates the process of sanding the fully cured gel coat composition  30  and leveling the repair in order to “blend” in the newly added gel coat composition and repair. Included in the “kit”  51  are sheets of multiple grades and grits of wet sanding papers  35  that will enable the user to achieve a level and fully blended repair. Following the provided instructions  40  and following the instruction on how to use the proper grit sanding paper  35  step by step, allows for the user of the “kit”  51  the ability to achieve professional results at a fraction of the cost of the alternative to hiring of a skilled professional to complete the repair. The last steps to complete the repair involve polishing  FIG. 19  with supplied polish packet  36  in order to achieve a glossy and shine to the repair area and waxing the repaired surface  FIG. 20  with users personally preferred wax regimen in order to seal the repair and protect and shield the repair from the environment and harsh outside influences. 
     Another important aspect of the present invention is the ability to install and purchase additional interchangeable color reservoirs  27  allowing for the option to replace an exhausted color and to simply switch out the base and tint color reservoirs  27  to a new and different base color or tint color. This feature of the gel coat color match system and method allows for the container to be a multi-use container and tool and will extend the life and use of the purchase. Replacement of a reservoir  27  is made simple in that, base cap  28  is unscrewed and the reservoir  27  to be replaced and changed simply slides out. Installation of the new reservoir is just the reverse of the pre mentioned procedure.