yet another gelcoat thread!

[In2Deep]

Well after reading lots of threads on here I think Im even more confused,Im in the process of gelcoating over a repair I just made on my 1801. Parker sent me the OEM gelcoat,actually they sent me 2 cans(pints) one says gel coat,the marker on the other was smudged and I cant really read it?? From my reading/research on here,I believe the ratio of gelcoat to hardner/catalyst is 3%,correct? Now my confusion is I also read about mixing the gelcoat with clear? Mabey thats whats in the other pint? I thought it said resin? I will be mixing a batch,applying with a spatula,then mixing a second or third for the final coats with a preval sprayer. Now I know it needs to be thinned with laquer thinner,but is there a ratio Im shooting for?

This may have been covered before,but after reading so many threads,there seems like there are a few ways to do this?

Thanks
Jerry

 

[Bryan 2530]

Ratio is about 10-12 drops hardener per ounce of resin, less if its hot out.

They sent you hardener in a can??

 

[In2Deep]

Ratio is about 10-12 drops hardener per ounce of resin, less if its hot out.

They sent you hardener in a can??

No I just realized what the second can was,it was resin that was supposed to be used with the mat they sent. They sent no hardner? Ill just pick up some from the local marine store. Would you recommend putting a layer of resin over the epoxy I laid down? I had some exposed wood,so I soaked it with a thin penetrating epoxy then a layer of regular(Raka) set epoxy with fiberglass mat, then a layer of epoxy mixed with some silica(to help level out the surface).I understand the gelcoat will adhere better to the resin,correct? will the resin adhere well to the epoxy?
thanks again

 

[Bryan 2530]

No, your best bet to get gelcoat to stick to epoxy is to clean off the amine blush with soap, water and a scotch bright pad then wet sand the surface to roughen it up. Also, let the epoxy fully cure 7+ days or so .

 

[In2Deep]

ouch 7 days,I was hoping to use the boat.
thanks for the help!
Jerry

 

[jhendric]

Getting proper adhesion between epoxy and gel coat can be tricky. I know this from much personal expierience. This is a great thread on the topic....the last page and a half is best.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-for ... ing-4.html