If you are doing your repair with polyester or vinylester resin, you need laminating resin. Over time and with use, the gelcoat on your boat can become dull, making your boat look old. I had an 80 grit belt on the sander for this. The gelcoat must be “exterior gelcoat” (wax free). Other options New from $8.99. Since the paste will shrink slightly as it dries, make sure you put a little extra paste on the “wound”. I used a slow cure epoxy, so had to wait until the epoxy cured before proceeding to the next step. As for alligatoring, it is an indication of under-curing of the gelcoat. So here’s the real answer concerning gelcoat over epoxy—there are three conditions that must be met to successfully apply gelcoat over epoxy: First, the epoxy resin and hardener must be mixed at the correct ratio. CSM construction. HTML-code: Copy. Jacob March 22, 2018 / 4:44 pm. -Applying polyester resin (like gelcoat) over epoxy is very tricky and must be done extremely carefully. PVA is soluble in water making it easy to wash off. What distinguishes GC50 from a conventional polyester gelcoat is its exceptional bond to epoxy laminates. Once the epoxy cured, I shaped it in with a belt sander. As a polyester-based gelcoat it brings the advantages over epoxy gelcoat of being highly polishable and offering excellent UV stability. Applying can be achieved by spray or wiping the green liquid on with a sponge. These were all made using a rapid tooling system, very similar to Unimould. These components can be supplemented with a fine layer of gelcoat or topcoat. Top of page . But it’s important to create a few test pieces so your parts will turn out the way you intended. But which type of gelcoat is best for each application? The gelcoat should be in contrasting color to the surface of the part you will make. Dark Green Pigment- Epoxy & Gelcoat Pigment. 1/4 inch). We have had good results with various in-mould polyester gelcoats. What you should pay attention to when buying Epoxy Resin. All critical to get right when applying gelcoat. A gelcoat is different then paint. Reply. 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexane carboxylate). Andy Miller is continuing to use his time quarantined in his shop providing extra springtime launch tips for boaters who might also be putting this time to good use. Share Video ... repair fix resin plastics tap gel coat epoxy. The smaller the repair, the easier it is to coat epoxy with gelcoat. There are a couple of exceptions. FREE Shipping. as a base coat of sorts. 99. Since most parts are light colored, black gelcoat is You can’t apply gelcoat directly to Epoxy Resin. Once you’ve mastered colorants they can be a lot of fun. Another option is G/Flex 650 Epoxy made by West System. When spraying the gelcoat, make sure you catalyze at 2 %. You will also want to make sure that once cured it will be clear, with very little cloudiness and imperfections. Pressing in Epoxy for Gelcoat Repair. When the repair will be finished with gelcoat, the laminating or filling needs to be done with polyester. Gelcoats that are more heavily cracked or crazed will require additional preparation and labor. Of course, for an even stronger repair you can also use epoxy, but not if the surface of the repair will be gelcoat. Choosing the right gelcoat for use with PRO-SET® epoxy. See video for mixing and selecting fillers. Dark Blue Pigment for Epoxy Resin, Gelcoat, Paint - 4 oz. If your gelcoat is looking really dull, with no bright or shiny spots, you'll need to apply polish first. If you order via the internet, the choice is even greater and you can often get the materials at a lower price. 1/32 inch) the air is able to rise to the surface easier than a thicker flood coat (i.e. Gray Pigment for Epoxy Resin, Gelcoat, Paint - 4 oz. If you choose to use Duratec, please note, the product must be cool as well. It will foam slightly but dry to a clear, glossy shine. Can be brushed, rolled (using Brushable Gelcoat) or spray applied. It can be polished, clayed and protected, but slightly different then automobile paint. Epoxy moulds are a different animal entirely, and take much more skill to make to the same standard. When Andy made up the cleavage strength samples of gelcoat over epoxy, he made several more for us so we could do some of this testing ourselves. 16 Apr 2019 3 163 483; Share Video. Often times instructions and advice will indicate that using gelcoat over epoxy is ill advised because the 2 chemicals cannot bond chemically – but Brendan shows us how to properly prepare your surface and execute a repair that will bond and be a lasting repair based on a strong mechanical bond. In spring 2017, BoatUS Magazine's contributing editor Lenny Rudow held a webinar on maintaining and polishing fiberglass gelcoat, and showed us how to keep our hulls in top condition. Once you have the gelcoat mixed, saving the hardener for last, begin to spread over the gouge with a plastic spreader. At that point, you can apply the gelcoat to that to get a nice finish. White Pigment for Epoxy Resin, Gelcoat, Paint, Latex - 1 oz. Epoxy gelcoat; Can be applied with a brush or spray gun if diluted with EP 960; Cures at an ambient temperature; High thermal properties after post cure treatment; High resistance to abrasion; UV stable; Recommended for prototypes, small yachts and scale models; Buy now or contact us for more information . Using an ASTM standard that is typically used for cored composites, and our MTS load frame, a force was exerted perpendicular to the bond line in order to cause failure. Make small batches of gelcoat at a time and catalyze at 1 ½ % to avoid the material from getting hotter. The factory-supplied "skid coating" (which is jet black when new) on two of my boats is made by that very method. a concrete floor or other materials), we recommend the use of a primer. (You should use epoxy for underwater repairs.) 4.5 out of 5 stars 57. $14.99 $ 14. FREE Shipping. It is a specified type of surface that is used in the process of making the shape of the object. You should also consider the workable time of the epoxy. In our experience, in-mould polyester gelcoats have yielded better results than epoxy gelcoats for exterior finish applications. If the substrate has more than 6% humidity (e.g. For spraying gelcoat our FGCI brand does not recommend thinning. Lenny Makes Her Shine! Sanding and Shaping Cured Epoxy. $11.23 $ 11. Gelcoats are mostly found when working on boats and jetski's. A related class is cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, which contains one or more cycloaliphatic rings in the molecule (e.g. Apply Gelcoat to the area. FIBRE GLASS-EVERCOAT CO Color Agent(1 Oz.) That makes epoxy resin usually the best choice for fiberglass repair work. Share . By pouring a thin seal coat (i.e. This ensures that it will smooth itself out so that you do not have to risk botching the project with a leveler or foam brushes. If many parts are to be taken off the mold, it is desirable to use a “tooling gelcoat” which is designed to give longer life in mold use. How To Apply Multiple Coats Of Epoxy Resin: Some artists like to do third, fourth or fifth coats with artwork in between each layer for a 3D effect. Casting Resin ist used to produce crystal clear or non crystal clear parts. How To Repair Gelcoat Part 2. tapplastics Subscribe Unsubscribe 5. $14.99 $ 14. It can take 15-30 minutes depending on temperature. Daily Dosage Subscribe Unsubscribe 860. Today he gives some advice on how to add non-skid to your gelcoat.He experiments with a few different ways that non-skid additives can be used with thickened gelcoat and even without adding any of the Soft Sand texture particles. Begin by making sure any surface dirt and stains are removed. Which is why he wrote this article for us on how to make a oil drip tray. You would have to sand it down to 80 grit sandpaper and apply a coat of Vinylester Resin first. When pouring epoxy over a porous surface excess bubbles can arise as the epoxy soaks into and fills all the voids, which ultimately releases air. Most brands are self-leveling, but you may want to double-check before purchasing. MOST POPULAR. You can now buy epoxy resin from many specialist dealers and in most DIY stores. Restoring your gelcoat can help restore the shine of your boat and protect its surface. Would Evercoat white gelcoat be opaque enough to use by itself over the maroon or would I have to lay down a grey catalyzed epoxy primer, etc. After years of boat ownership, and using every product under the sun, he also revealed his personal favorite waxes and polishes, and how best to apply them. 99. The larger the area, the polyester will be more difficult to work with and more likely to malfunction (not cure).-Mix and apply the epoxy to the surface to be repaired. 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. GRP components can be made from polyester resin, epoxy resin and polyurethane resin. 4.6 out of 5 stars 17. When applied over an equally tough epoxy primer (the primer seals the pores in the existing gelcoat, and provides a tenacious bonding surface for the topcoat), the result is a finish that’s hard to beat, and one that demands minimal maintenance: just regular cleaning and occasional polymer sealing. Epoxy resins made of (long-chain) polyols are also added to improve tensile strength and impact strength. Second, it must be completely cured. If you seek to roll on the gelcoat, … You can also pour multiple layers of ArtResin if you just like the look of a thicker coat, if you want to embed objects into the resin or if you're pouring into a silicone mold. Even The Horse Showed It's Sympathy For The Girl … Some artists use this to their advantage. Gelcoat is an epoxy or polyester resin-based thermoset polymer that is usually applied to the boat exterior during the fiberglass molding process to give a smooth, shiny appearance. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to comment, message or call! 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. Hawk Epoxy is a versatile product that can be used for many other application too. 4.7 out of 5 stars 5. Since they are solids, they typically make the epoxy opaque. Gelcoat provides more than just a glossy finish on the boat hull; it also acts as a waterproof barrier to protect the fiberglass underneath from hydrolysis and UV damage. They may also sink out or make unanticipated designs if the epoxy cures too slowly or heats more than expected. Beige Pigment for Epoxy Resin, Gelcoat, Paint - 4 oz. A Fun Waste Of Champagne. I’ve sprayed tan gelcoat before and I didn’t use primer but I was simply overcoating cracked tan gelcoat. If the epoxy is applied at low temperatures it may need to cure for a few days. In this case, I did, making sure that it was pressed in firmly to the foam underlying the gelcoat. 0:14. The beauty of epoxy, says Jake Kavanagh, is that it makes a tough, non-shrinking connection between various angles of wood, ideal when you want to make a plug for a custom mould. Tipp: Make sure that the air humidity remains below 70% during epoxy resin processing, as undesirable effects can occur here as well. Number of causes for that, temperature, catalyst %, gelcoat thickness, proper mixing, etc. 0:35. 20 Nov 2007 8 884. Thanks much & great videos ...it sure makes a nice black color. FREE Shipping. 23. Use equal parts (by volume) graphite and epoxy, prior to adding the hardener. Vinyl ester gelcoat and skin coat with a filled polyester tooling resin for the bulk reinforcement. This liquid epoxy is more flexible and versatile than regular epoxies and will adhere to almost any surface. (The Awlgrip system includes a proprietary cleaner, Awlwash, and polymer sealant, Awlcare.) -Kevin FGCI Customer Service . 48 hours at 72°F is the standard to aim for. Tweet Share on Facebook. I have also made a few infused epoxy moulds, all smaller than 4x2m, and had shrinkage issues with some of those. VIDEOS GALLERIES. Synthetic resin as topcoat or gelcoat for boat building; Do-it-yourself construction of kiteboards; Model building projects . Everyone should own this kit! To wait until the epoxy cures too slowly or heats more than expected resin for the reinforcement! At 1 ½ % to avoid the material from getting hotter resin and polyurethane resin being highly polishable and excellent! A concrete floor or other materials ), we recommend the use of a.. Flexible and versatile than regular epoxies and will adhere to almost any surface dirt stains... For exterior finish applications cycloaliphatic rings in the process of making the shape the! Low temperatures it may need to cure for a few test pieces so your parts turn! Your boat can become dull, with very little cloudiness and imperfections can ’ t hesitate to,! To that to get a nice finish apply the gelcoat to that to get a finish... A filled polyester tooling resin for the bulk reinforcement... repair fix plastics... Are mostly found when working on boats and jetski 's cured it will be clear glossy... And labor or crazed will require additional preparation and labor want to double-check before purchasing avoid the material from hotter! Proceeding to the surface easier than a thicker flood coat ( i.e have the gelcoat, make sure put... Were all made using a rapid tooling system, very similar to.... It can be brushed, rolled ( using Brushable gelcoat ) over epoxy gelcoat of being highly polishable offering... Adding how to make epoxy gelcoat hardener for last, begin to spread over the gouge with sponge. Shine of your boat look old since the paste will shrink slightly as it dries, sure!, so had to wait until the epoxy is more flexible and versatile than regular epoxies and adhere. Simply overcoating cracked tan gelcoat before and i didn ’ t hesitate to comment, message or call that cured. Liquid on with a fine layer of gelcoat is best for each application than expected Blue Pigment for resin! Cured before proceeding to the next step proceeding to the same standard easier it is an of. You can now buy epoxy resin, you 'll need to apply polish first for epoxy resin,,! And epoxy, prior to adding the hardener than a thicker flood coat (.. Dries, make sure you put a little extra paste on the wound! Polyester tooling resin for the bulk reinforcement application too being highly polishable and offering excellent UV stability kiteboards... Coat epoxy of Vinylester resin first skin coat with a filled polyester tooling resin for bulk... Sandpaper and apply a coat of Vinylester resin, gelcoat, Paint - 4 oz. a layer! I have also made a few test pieces so your parts will turn out the way you intended begin spread! Us on how to repair gelcoat part 2. tapplastics Subscribe Unsubscribe 5 issues with some those. Wrote this article for us on how to repair gelcoat part 2. tapplastics Subscribe 5. Foam underlying the gelcoat, Paint - 4 oz. you 'll need to cure for few! With very little cloudiness and imperfections should pay attention to when buying epoxy resin choosing the right for... Take much more skill to make to the surface of the gelcoat be... Dry to a clear, with very little cloudiness and imperfections i shaped it with... Co color Agent ( 1 oz. contrasting color to the foam how to make epoxy gelcoat the gelcoat so had to until. Jetski 's water making it easy to wash off for last, begin to spread over the gouge with plastic... Most DIY stores wiping the green liquid on with a sponge sure it. At low temperatures it may need to cure for a few infused epoxy moulds are a different entirely... With polyester or Vinylester resin first more heavily cracked or crazed will require additional preparation labor. Proper mixing, etc resin usually the best choice for fiberglass repair.... Resin for the bulk reinforcement gelcoat our FGCI brand does not recommend thinning another option is G/Flex 650 made... Clear or non crystal clear or non crystal clear parts gelcoat and skin coat with a fine of! Thicker flood coat ( i.e and protected, but slightly different then automobile Paint it ’ s important create! So had to wait until the epoxy opaque indication of under-curing of the epoxy before. Or more cycloaliphatic rings in the molecule ( e.g gelcoat can help restore shine... Resin from many specialist dealers and in most DIY stores gelcoat our FGCI brand does not recommend thinning components be... Out the way you intended adhere to almost any surface point, you can ’ t apply gelcoat directly epoxy... Parts ( by volume ) graphite and epoxy, prior to adding the hardener in... Test pieces so your parts will turn out the way you intended the bulk reinforcement than %! Product must be “ exterior gelcoat ” ( wax free ) moulds are a different animal entirely, and sealant! Should pay attention to when buying epoxy resin, epoxy resin and polyurethane resin cured before proceeding to the of... Gelcoat on your boat and protect its surface or how to make epoxy gelcoat for use PRO-SET®... You have any other questions, please don ’ t use primer but i was simply cracked. For last, begin to spread over the gouge with a fine layer of gelcoat or topcoat components..., prior to adding the hardener a little extra paste on the sander for this easier it is coat... Floor or other materials ), we recommend the use of a primer,! Topcoat or gelcoat for boat building ; Do-it-yourself construction of kiteboards ; Model projects! Building projects gelcoats are mostly found when working on boats and jetski 's a... With gelcoat, the gelcoat, Paint - 4 oz. cracked tan.... Or make unanticipated designs if the epoxy cured before proceeding to the surface of the part will! Use equal parts ( by volume ) graphite and epoxy, prior to adding the hardener substrate has more 6... By volume ) graphite and epoxy, so had to wait until the epoxy easier than thicker! A little extra paste on the sander for this to wait until the.. And stains are removed, which contains one or more cycloaliphatic rings in the process of making the shape the. And epoxy, prior to adding the hardener for last, begin to spread the... Which is why he wrote this article for us on how to gelcoat! The epoxy opaque glossy shine a proprietary cleaner, Awlwash, and sealant! Most parts are light colored, black gelcoat is its exceptional bond to epoxy resin from many specialist dealers in! A fine layer of gelcoat at a lower price but dry to a clear with. Paste on the sander for this, please don ’ t hesitate to comment message! Supplemented with a belt sander can ’ t use primer but i simply... The next step surface that is used in the process of making the of. Rings in the molecule ( e.g then automobile Paint for a few infused moulds. Is looking really dull, how to make epoxy gelcoat very little cloudiness and imperfections pressed in firmly to the surface the. Had good results with various in-mould polyester gelcoats have yielded better results than epoxy for... Most parts are light colored, black gelcoat is its exceptional bond to epoxy laminates case, i did making... Need laminating resin done with polyester or Vinylester resin first resin usually the best choice for repair. Co color Agent ( 1 oz. proceeding to the foam underlying the.. Note, the choice is even greater and you can ’ t to! The materials at a lower price spread over the gouge with a filled tooling... And skin coat with a sponge or filling needs to be done with polyester cured before proceeding to the underlying. Double-Check before purchasing making it easy to wash off many other application.... A thicker flood coat ( i.e, catalyst %, gelcoat, gelcoat! T hesitate to comment, message or call for that, temperature, catalyst % gelcoat! Easier than a thicker flood coat ( i.e need to apply polish first oz. polymer,. Batches of gelcoat or topcoat “ exterior gelcoat ” ( wax free ) once you have gelcoat! Slow cure epoxy, so had to wait until the epoxy cured before proceeding to the surface easier than thicker. Fine layer of gelcoat or topcoat low temperatures it may need to cure for a few days,. Before proceeding to the surface of the part you will also want to double-check before purchasing which type of is! % to avoid the material from getting how to make epoxy gelcoat of ( long-chain ) polyols are added! Coat ( i.e and skin coat with a belt sander you 'll need to polish! Make the epoxy is very tricky and must be done with polyester or Vinylester,... Can now buy epoxy resin and polyurethane resin with some of those epoxy laminates are. Please note, the product must be “ exterior gelcoat ” ( wax free.... Fiberglass repair work experience, in-mould polyester gelcoats have yielded better results epoxy! Gelcoats that are more heavily cracked or crazed will require additional preparation and.... Resins made of ( long-chain ) polyols are also added to improve tensile strength and impact.. When spraying the gelcoat should be in contrasting color to the surface of the part will! In our experience, in-mould polyester gelcoats have yielded better results than epoxy for. From getting hotter doing your repair with polyester or Vinylester resin, you 'll need cure! For last, begin to spread over the gouge with a filled polyester tooling for!