How long does gel coat need to cure?
2-4 hours
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. This will avoid unnecessary sanding scratches. Usually 320 or 400 grit wet paper is sufficient for the initial sanding.
Do you put hardener in gelcoat?
(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).
How do you apply gel coat filler?
Using a plastic spatula gently apply the filler over the damaged area. You will need to make a few light passes over the area to ensure that the filler is fully located and is flush with the surrounding surface. Don’t put too much pressure on the spatula as this will drag the filler out of the surface hollow.
Does gel coat dry without hardener?
If the gelcoat does not get enough catalyst it will not “kick” or begin to harden. If the measurement is off even slightly, the gelcoat could start to harden but not cure completely, leaving a tacky, non-sandable surface.
Do you have to sand between coats of 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.
Does gelcoat harden without hardener?
Can you thin gelcoat with acetone?
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.
How long does gelcoat filler take to set?
At normal workshop temperatures , 18 – 25°C the cure goes on for 2-3 weeks so it may be advisable to wait for 3 weeks before painting. The majority of the cure takes place in the first 48 hours but if you have the time it would be worth leaving it longer before painting.
How much hardener do you put in gel coat?
We recommend 1.5% – 2.0 % by volume. The Ideal range is 1.8% @ 77°F (approximately 12 drops per ounce of gelcoat.) If the gelcoat does not get enough catalyst it will not “kick” or begin to harden.
Do you sand gel coat?
Gelcoat does not cure properly when exposed to air. Once the gelcoat has fully cured, sand the repair smooth (wet sanding works particularly well with gelcoat). You can start with 220-grit sandpaper and, for a really slick surface, finish with at least 400- or 600-grit.
Why do you put wax in gelcoat?
To cure properly and completely, gelcoat needs to be devoid of oxygen. Gelcoat with wax has had paraffin wax added to it. When the gelcoat is catalyzed with MEKP, the wax rises to the surface throughout the cure, keeps the air from contacting the gelcoat, and allows the gelcoat to fully cure.
When to use gel coat or evercoat acetone?
Gel Kote™ is a non-run, non-sag formulation of flexible polyester resins to produce resiliency and toughness. Evercoat Coloring Agents may be used to tint the material to desired color. Reduce with Evercoat Acetone (10%) to thin for sprayer applications. Used to release molds when sprayed with gel coat.
When to use gel Kote or evercoat mold release?
Evercoat Mold Release (# 105685) must be used to attain a fully cured surface. Use to fill gouges, chips, scrapes and deep scratches in the fiberglass gel coat. Gel Kote™ is a non-run, non-sag formulation of flexible polyester resins to produce resiliency and toughness. Evercoat Coloring Agents may be used to tint the material to desired color.
How long does it take for gelcoat to set?
Your first coat will simply consist of the gelcoat and the MEK-P catalyst. Once applied, you want to wait about an hour and a half, for the gelcoat to set. It won’t be completely cured by then, but it should be hard and tacky.
What do you add to gelcoat to make it dry?
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.