Re: GEL COAT over epoxy..
cc lancer<br /><br />Yes there are ways to to extend the shelf life.<br /><br />1. Pick a resin that has no DCPD in it, DCPD is very reactive and will get hard (not cured though)without catalyst if it is exposed to air or other things much sooner than other types. DCPD resins, and blends of it, are less expensive and have some very good properties, but shelf life is poor.<br /><br />2. choose a longer gel time resin<br /><br />3. keep it cool and sealed tight.<br /><br />4. VE resins can be purchased unpromoted, this means no DMA or cobalt are added before you get it. You will need to add them when it is going to be used. VE resin is very expensive and better for most projects than most other types.<br /><br />5. The Comp 1 rep should be able to get a resin that will last longer in the drum if he knows you want one.<br /><br />What's the code on the resin you are currently using? I may be able to tell you what type it is.<br /><br />Epoxy is very good stuff, but is overkill for many applications, thats why most products are made with polyesters. High stress, well engineered products that are not as price sensitive benifit from epoxy, carbon fiber, kevlar and other high end items, but most boats need to be affordable, so they aren't used.<br />Don't get me wrong epoxy is great stuff, my boats would be much lighter and stronger if they were made with epoxy, but then I woudn't have enough money to buy them.
