Table of Contents
Can I apply gelcoat to fiberglass?
If the surface is already covered with gelcoat, or if the surface is a fiberglass, or polyester resin, then applying gelcoat will be a snap. You want to sand the surface to create a mechanical bond with the gelcoat. Start by sanding the surface with 150 grit or lower sandpaper.
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.
How do you recoat gelcoat on a boat?
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.
What is the purpose of gelcoat on fiberglass?
Gelcoat is a liquid that hardens to form a thick layer that’s used to protect fiberglass and give it a shiny, smooth finish. Applying gelcoat to fiberglass is simple if you have the right tools and take care to mix your gelcoat properly.
What is the difference between fiberglass and gelcoat?
Fiberglass is what is used as the base of the boat. Over the fiberglass usually gelcoat is applied at the factory. If the surface is scratched gelcoat is the same color throughout; if the surface has been painted when scratched it will show what is underneath.
Can you roll on gelcoat?
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 you apply gelcoat?
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 to ensure proper thickness is achieved.
Can you gelcoat over epoxy?
Typically, gelcoat isn’t recommended over epoxy because they’re chemically incompatible and the gelcoat won’t adhere properly.
Can you 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.
Can you put a new gel coat on a boat?
Give the old looking hull surface a new gel coat layer and forget worrying about it, as it will last you more than a decade provided you give it the proper maintenance. Just using a good quality carnauba wax, sealant, and fiberglass stain remover often will save the hassle of a labor-intensive Gelcoat job.
Can you redo gelcoat on a boat?
The ultra high gloss most new boats exhibit is due entirely to the highly polished, mirror-like surface of the mold used in the original construction of the boat. Time and exposure eventually erode the relatively soft surface of gelcoat, leaving it dull and chalky. Fortunately, the gloss usually can be restored.
Can you gelcoat over paint?
Can You Gelcoat Over Paint? Paint, wood, metal, and concrete should not be coated with gelcoat. Surfaces such as these will not be adhered to by it. Adding surfacing agents or wax additive sanding aids to a gelcoat will not fully cure it.
Does gelcoat add strength?
Yes, the resin is formulated specifically for this purpose. It tends to have a high elastic capacity and is engineered to provide superior strength without an inherent cloth structure as well as exceptional abrasion resistance.
What is the difference between epoxy and gelcoat?
When the repair will be finished with gelcoat, the laminating or filling needs to be done with polyester. While epoxy adheres tenaciously to cured polyester, the reverse is not true, so the bond between an epoxy repair and an overcoat of polyester gelcoat will not be strong.
How thick is the 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.
Is fiberglass waterproof without gelcoat?
Fiberglass becomes waterproof once resin is applied and has cured. Once resin is applied and it has dried then the fiberglass is completely waterproof, in fact boats are routinely made from it. The resin used will typically be one of polyester resin, epoxy or vinylester.
Does gelcoat need hardener?
(Colored GELCOATS can require upto DOUBLE the amount of hardener shown. When temperatures are above 85, regular ratios should be used.) Please note: When using Surfacing Wax with your resin/gelcoat, you must also add the MEKP(Hardener). In temperatures below 70 degrees, the paraffin can solidify in the bottle.
How do you calculate gelcoat?
When looking at the thickness, gelcoat is recommended to be about 15 mils thick, or roughly the thickness of a credit card. You can apply up to about 20 mils, but anything thicker can result in cracking. Once you know your thickness, at 15 mils, you will get about 25 square feet per quart or 100 square feet per gallon.
