Table of Contents
How do you spray gel coat on a boat?
Apply gel coat to mold surface. Spraying gel coat is recommended for more accurate and consistent coverage. Apply gel coat in 4-5 layers at approximately 5 mils each, allowing 15-20 minutes between layers for a total thickness of 20-25 mils. Use #122-A Gel Coat Thickness Gauge to ensure proper thickness is achieved.
Can you apply gelcoat with a roller?
You may either roll the gelcoat on, like paint, or spray it on, to apply the gelcoat. If you want to roll on a gelcoat, be sure to use a 1/8 “or 1⁄4” solvent-resistant nap. Be sure not to use foam rollers because they tend to leave the bubbles. If you brush on the gel coat, make sure to use a solvent-resistant brush.
How thick can gelcoat be applied?
The maximum amount of thickness to be sprayed in one application should be 0.016 inches and should be sprayed in multiple light coats at a 15-inch distance from the mold.
Can you apply second coat of gelcoat?
Your second coat will consist of the same amount of Catalyst, but if you are doing one more coat, your next coat will include Sanding Aid, or ‘wax. ‘ You will mix in 1 oz per quart to the gelcoat, which will seal the surface from oxygen, causing the gelcoat to dry tack-free.
How do you prep for gel coating?
If the gelcoat is in good condition with no major cracking or crazing, the job is relatively straightforward—clean and prepare the surface, apply an epoxy primer, sand the primer, remove the sanding residue and then apply the topcoat. So, the gelcoat on your boat is looking chalky and faded.
How thick is gelcoat on a boat?
Many marine craft and some aircraft are manufactured using composite materials with an outer layer of gelcoat, typically 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm (0.02 in to 0.03 in) thick. Gelcoats are designed to be durable, providing resistance to ultraviolet degradation and hydrolysis.
Can you gelcoat over fiberglass?
Incorrect Surface Preparation – Gelcoat will only adhere to fiberglass, previously cured gelcoat, or polyester resin. Do not apply gelcoat to any paint or protective coating because it will not adhere. Existing paint will have to be removed. In order to prepare the surface correctly, it must be sanded.
How long does it take for gelcoat to cure?
Final thickness should be 18 ±2 mils minimum. As soon as you are done spraying, clean your sprayer fully with acetone. Most re-sprayed gel coat will cure in 2-4 hours, although overnight cures are ideal. Begin wet sanding with the finest grit that will remove orange peel in the re-sprayed area.
How do you prep fiberglass for gelcoat?
Fiberglass Coatings Step #1 – You will want to start off by cleaning the surface with Lacquer Thinner to remove any wax and oil. Step #2 – Clean with Acetone or MEK Solvent and let the solvent dry. Step #3 – If you are doing multiple coats of gelcoat, the first coat should not have wax or Sanding Aid in it.
Is gel coat a paint?
What is difference between gel coat and paint? Gelcoat is usually much thicker than paint and is engineered to protect the underlying fiberglass as well as provide a smooth shiny appearance. Paint is thinner and typically much easier to apply.
Why did my gelcoat alligator on the second coat?
Alligatoring can be caused by laminating too early or on gel coat that is under-cured due to thin film, low catalyst levels or low temperatures. Alligatoring can also be caused by uneven cure due to poor catalyst incorporation, poor spray pattern development or poor sprayed film thickness control.
What is black gel coat?
Black HK Gel Coat are specially formulated, pigmented polyester resin that is used as a protective outer coating. Gel coats use 2% hardener by volume, Gelcoat is a highly durable coating and is the outermost structural layer on a fiberglass part, designed to protect the underlying fiberglass layers.
Do I want gelcoat with or without wax?
Gelcoat is available with or without wax. To cure properly and completely, gelcoat needs to be devoid of oxygen. Other products such as PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) can also be applied over gelcoat without wax to cure it. PVA is commonly applied by brush or spraying.
How long does gel coat last on a boat?
Regularly waxed gelcoat can retain its gloss for 15 years or more. The real purpose of a coat of wax is to protect, but wax also has restorative properties if the gelcoat is not too badly weathered.
Can I thin gelcoat with acetone?
Thinning gelcoat should only be done when it needs to be, such as for spray applications. One of the most commonly used products for thinning gelcoat is acetone, and though this product will lower the viscosity, it has a strong tendency to adjust the color of the material as it cures.
Does gel coat come in a spray can?
Gelcoat repairs to boats are a common DIY task. And we’ve covered it before. One, it makes matching your boat’s gelcoat color super easy. Two, the custom color comes packaged in a DIY-friendly aerosol can.
