Applying and Finishing New Gelcoat
- Purchase a wax gelcoat repair kit that matches the color of the damaged spot. Gelcoat repair kits come with 2 parts...
- Mix the new gelcoat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the amounts of each part recommended by the...
- Press the gelcoat onto the damaged area with the mixing stick. Scoop enough of the putty out...
Full Answer
How do you apply a gelcoat?
Part 2 of 3: Applying the Gelcoat 1 Combine gelcoat and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide in a bucket. Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) is a catalyst used to make gelcoat start to harden. 2 Add gelcoat color pigments if you want your gelcoat to be colored. ... 3 Apply the gelcoat using a brush if you’re covering a small area. ... More items...
What should I do if my gelcoat doesn’t cure?
Under- or over-catalyzed gel coat will cure slower and look faded or chalky. Use the recommend thinners / additives only which are listed on the gelcoat’s product page. (No Thinning Necessary for the Ultra Plus Brushable Gelcoat) Gel coat will not fully cure without adding a surfacing agent or over spraying with PVA
How long does it take for gelcoat to harden?
Once you mix and catalyze, you have about 15 minutes to apply the gelcoat before it starts getting hard or starts to “gel.” The actual working time depends on the amount of catalyst and how hot the working conditions are.
How do you finish a gel coat?
1:402:51Gel Coat Finishing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't allow the 3m scotchgard marine liquid wax to dry on the surface wipe the 3m scotchgard marineMoreDon't allow the 3m scotchgard marine liquid wax to dry on the surface wipe the 3m scotchgard marine liquid wax off of the surface 10 to 20 seconds after applying the wax using a 3m detailing cloth.
How do you finish gel coat on a boat?
Applying Gel Coat to Your Boat: 10 StepsGet Ready. ... Clean Your Boat Before Applying Gel Coat. ... Identify Each Crack, Chip, Scratch, Damaged or Worn out Surface. ... Sand the Damaged Area. ... Apply Gel Coat Paste that Matches the Exact Color of the Hull. ... Allow the Area to Dry. ... If the Gel Coat Is Worn out, Repair It.More items...•
How do you apply and finish gelcoat?
1:192:36Quicktips: How to brush apply gelcoat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you've applied the gel coat. Leave it to cure. Before you apply the fiberglass. You need toMoreOnce you've applied the gel coat. Leave it to cure. Before you apply the fiberglass. You need to make sure that your gel cored slightly tacky.
Can gelcoat be brushed on?
Applying Gelcoat by Brush or Roller – (Use a Brushable Gelcoat) When applying gelcoat by brush or roller, we recommend the Ultra Plus Brushable Gelcoat. (other Gelcoats are best applied by Spray) The Ultra Plus Brushable Gelcoat is designed for self-leveling and is a much easier application.
Do you have to sand GelCoat?
Sanding between coats is not necessary unless a surfacing agent has been added to your gel coat. Once your repair is covered, feather a 'flow' or sanding coat on the masked-off area making layered passes to avoid a buildup of gel coat in any one area. Each of these coats of gelcoat may involve several passes.
Can you roll and tip GelCoat?
The most common method for application is the “roll and tip” method. This is where the paint is applied to the surface using a roller and then “tipped off” with a brush to spread the paint and to remove the roller marks. This is best achieved by having two people working shoulder to shoulder.
How long does it take for gelcoat to fully 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.
Is gel coat self leveling?
GelCoat is specially formulated to be water-resistant and highly durable. GelCoat cures hard with a self-leveling finish, even on vertical surfaces.
How thick can you apply gel coat?
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.
Do you paint over gelcoat?
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 difference between gelcoat with wax and without wax?
Gelcoat is available with or without wax. To cure properly and completely, gelcoat needs to be devoid of oxygen. Gelcoat with wax has had paraffin wax added to it.
Can I layer gelcoat with wax?
The most common type of surfacing agent is Wax Additive Sanding Aid. This wax additive seals off the surface from oxygen in the air, allowing the gelcoat to dry tack-free. The recommended ratio is 1 oz wax to 1 quart of gelcoat.
Warnings
Wear safety glasses when operating a rotary tool. Wear safety glasses, a face mask, and gloves when mixing gelcoat repair compound.
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Coverage
Coverage will vary depending on application techniques and desired thickness. Typically, however, one gallon of gel coat will cover between 40-80 square feet at 20-25 mils.
Color Selection
Selecting the right color for your project, especially if you're trying to match an existing color, has its own challenges. Fibre Glast offers over 900 colors to choose from. Our #4009-A Instint Color Book has 720 available colors, and our #4008-A RAL Color Book has 188 standard international RAL colors.
Non-Skid Rubber Additive
The Fibre Glast Non-Skid Rubber Particles are ideal for creating a durable, safe, non-skid surface to any gel coated or painted surface, such as a boat deck or patio. They are also ideal for skate or surf board surfaces, sporting equipment handles, and much more.
Conclusion
While techniques and applications vary, by following the steps and guidelines outlined above, you will greatly increase the probability of a successful project. In the event that you do experience any issues, our Gel Coat Troubleshooting Guide can help you resolve the most common problems associated with gel coat application.
Tools of the Trade
The first step in any gelcoat restoration job is removing that layer of oxidation standing between you and a good shine. And if that oxidation is heavy, I’m not going to lie to you—only a machine will get it off.
Getting Started
Before we get started, we’ll assume your boat is out of the water or on a trailer, because it’s virtually impossible to restore a faded gelcoat hull while a boat is in the water. (If you’re just working on the decks and interior portions of your boat, you can certainly accomplish that while the boat is floating.)
Compounding
The first step in the process involves using rubbing compound, which is generally a mineral-spirits based liquid or paste with fine abrasive particles suspended in it. When you “rub” in a rubbing compound (or polish it in with a machine), it slowly removes all of that nasty gelcoat oxidation from the surface.
Polishing
After you feel like you have the oxidation dealt with, it’s time to actually polish the surface to a glossy shine. That’s where 3M’s Perfect-It Machine Polish comes in.
Wax On, Wax Off
The last step in your gelcoat recovery is probably the most satisfying. Now’s the time to apply good liquid or paste wax that will bring up that final high-level shine and protect your gelcoat from dirt, salt, and sun. I like Star Brite’s Premium Marine Polish with PTEF or 3M’s Ultra Performance Paste Wax, but use your favorite, if you have one.
Painting Gelcoat: How To
Boats are usually manufactured with either one of two materials; fiberglass or aluminum. The outer surface of a fiberglass manufactured boat is usually coated with a special resin called Gelcoat.
Durability
As stated earlier, Gelcoat is thicker than paint by ⅛ of an inch (which is paper-thin). Gelcoat has more of an advantage and takes the cake in comparison to paint on the durability stand.
Appearance
Gelcoat is a lot shiny when applied on smaller surfaces with a stick or brush as it requires no equipment for application. But for larger areas, Gelcoat needs to be sprayed. Paint, on the other hand, is easier to use in smaller areas and would look perfect if sprayed.
Repairability
Is it easy to fix? When repairing your boat, the first part of finishing is the color matching process. Gelcoat is tricky for newcomers in the game and could be frustrating. But with paint, it is easier to match colors.
Maintenance
The longevity of Gelcoat is one of its biggest advantages. Gelcoat may last up to 20 years without any need for a significant repair, but the paint will most likely require any least one within the same duration of 20 years.
How To Paint Over Gelcoat
Firstly, you decide if you would rather a professional do the job or you, with little or no experience. After making your decision, you clean your boat thoroughly with Acetone, preferably. It is advisable to use soaps specifically made for boats as dishwashing liquids may be too hard on the wax and lead to its breakdown.
