Need experts opinion on gelcoat photo

[Crappie_Fan]

Everyone has told me that the gelcoat that I applied Tuesday with 75 to 80 degree temps is curing or cured, but I am very skeptical since I didnt get to add a layer with surfacing wax. Heres a photo of me running my finger nails back and forth across the section of the hull. Seems like it scratches awful easy for gelcoat, but maybe I'm being paranoid. <br />

 

[Realgun]

Re: Need experts opinion on gelcoat photo

Thats not cured as far as I know. You ned to seal Gelcoat from the air thats when it gets hard. Easy way is to add wax to the last coat or i think mist with PVA.<br />Looks like you can see the weave of the cloth in that picture.

 

[Crappie_Fan]

Re: Need experts opinion on gelcoat photo

Yeah thats an area I patched, keep in mind the money I spent on materials to make this boat safe again is more than its worth. So cosmestics are not an issue with me. Where would I be able to find this PVA is it something I can get locally, and is it too late to apply it? The gelcoat has been sitting since Tuesday, it wont finger print or anything but it scuffs real easy.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Crappie_Fan]

Re: Need experts opinion on gelcoat photo

Well I just decided to order a couple more gallons of gelcoat, this time I'm gonna make sure I leave enough to add a layer with surfacing wax.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Need experts opinion on gelcoat photo

Crapp, where you get your gelcoat you can get your pva sealer. You gotta spray it on after you are finished with last coat of gel. Wash off with water after a day of so. It works better and easier than the wax. Chief

 

[Crappie_Fan]

Re: Need experts opinion on gelcoat photo

I ordered 32 oz. of PVA, do you think I would need more than that. Boats only 14' and a lowprofile one at that. Also, Would it hurt if I went ahead and added the wax also as a safety percaution? The label on the wax says that it takes 2 oz. of wax per gallon of gelcoat.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[cc lancer]

Re: Need experts opinion on gelcoat photo

Question:<br />When you put the MEKP into the gallon of gelcoat did you mix with a wooden paint stirrer?

 

[Crappie_Fan]

Re: Need experts opinion on gelcoat photo

The Instructions I recieved with the gelcoat says use 10 drops of MEKP for 1 oz. of Poly resin, and double that amount for poly gelcoats. So the biggest ammount of gelcoat that I could apply at one time was about 10 oz, or else it would harden in the cup. And I did use wooden tongue depresser to mix it, in the measuring cup. The stuff that would gel up before I could use it all would harden up in the cup, after a day later I could make it pop out of the cup like a mold or something. Did I do something wrong here, please advise Cause I'm supposed to recieve 2 more gallons in a few days and dont want to have to order more, because I screwed it up.<br /><br />Thanks for the help guys I really appreciate it.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Need experts opinion on gelcoat photo

Crapp, mix smaller amounts at a time. I would use paper cups about half full, 5-6 oz. Fill as many as you need and catalyze one at a time as you are ready to use. Work fast. If it's warm a couple drops less catalyst will help...Chief

 

[BillP]

Re: Need experts opinion on gelcoat photo

Temp and humidity are a MAJOR factor in how much hardner to use. Hotter makes it kick faster and humidity slows the kick time. Reduce hardener by 25%-50% next time if under the same conditions. Take notes on conditions and work times, then adjust hardner ratios as you go. This is the good thing about polyester.