Dump Gun Use

[alldodge]

Like info from those who have used the 100 model dump gun. It talks about not using a 1/4 air fitting but the larger fittings will not screw in. Figure I'll need a new regulator because the one which have been using has an auto oiler on it. There was a mixing carb which came with it but maybe some simple steps or tricks from the pros?

These gelcoat thickness gauges how are they used? Red has 10 to 35 markings and the aluminum has 400 to 850 markings

 

[Scott Danforth]

get ahold of ondarvr

 

[ondarvr]

The mil gauges are just pressed into the wet gel coat, you determine the gel coat thickness by the which ridge has gel coat on the tip.

The 1/4" fitting is ok, Just use a bigger air hose.

The dump guns work well, you need a good sized compressor to use one though. They're a little hard to control until you get the hang of it, but after that it's not an issue.

 

[alldodge]

Have a 60 gal tank and output of 11.5 SCFM at 90 psi. Seams the compressor should be able to put out enough. Have two outputs, one for 1/4 quick connect and the other is 3/8 which I use when using 3/4 impact wrench. Figure I'll use the 3/8 line with a new regulator.

Any tricks for mixing the gelcoat with styrene, like to what consistency?

 

[ondarvr]

Use as little styrene as possible, none is better. Styrene does lower the viscosity, but it also degrades the gel coat depending on how much you add, premature yellowing is the first thing you will see.

 

[alldodge]

Very good to know before I start, thanks
Guess just use manufactures recommendations so far as MEKP and temps. Just wondering if there are things that are not written down which could bite me like what you just mentioned about the styrene.

 

[Woodonglass]

AD, I'm NOT a GelCoat guru but, I've done a LOT of research and found this to be very informative and seems to be in line with everything that ondarvr touts as being the RIGHT way to do it. Read the part about thinning it.

http://bertram31.com/proj/tips/re-gelcoating.htm


There are thinning products such as Duratec that can be used for thinning that are pretty good and do not cause yellowing. Here's ondarvrs thoughts on their use...http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat-...ve#post6221892

 

[alldodge]

That's a pretty good read WOG, thanks. It brings up the product Patch booster, and to use it as a thinning agent instead of styrene. Never heard of it but appears to be sold in many places.

I'm going to be re-gelcoating my Chrysler 105 and it already has spider cracks on the sides. From the Bertram read it says the spider cracks are from the gelcoat being to thick. This boat has real flimsy sides so I thought it was from not being stiff enough.

 

[Woodonglass]

Hull flexing can cause Gelcoat spider cracking as well.

 

[sphelps]

I'm confused .... Which is normal for me ... After reading most all of this info it still seems a little all over the place ..To me ..
Some say use styrene some say don't for thinning . Then I see use MEK and then don't use MEK ... :lol:
Acetone is even thrown in there as a do and don't ..
Which ever way use as little as possible is agreed on ..I was leaning toward using duratec but now I'm not so sure ..
Sorry AD not meaning to hyjack ... Just going through the typical gell/paint debate in my head ... :dizzy:

 

[alldodge]

Sorry AD not meaning to hyjack

I'm right there with you and no worries, I don't fully understand my self hence my questions. Guess there is few that understand and I'm just wishing they would take pity on me and help this thick headed guy understand

 

[Woodonglass]

ondarvr is one the most knowledgeable experts we have. I'd trust his expertise. PM him with any specifics and I'm sure he'll guide you as best he can. He has always been there for me!!!:nod:

 

[alldodge]

Agree, ondarvr is the guy here. Kind of figured since he responded twice to this thread he could see more questions were asked

 

[ondarvr]

I'm at the IBEX show in Louiville KY right now, we have a booth here and I don't have much free time.

 

[alldodge]

Cool my home town.

 

[ondarvr]

Adding nothing is the best, and when using a dump gun you don't really need to add anything, you will need wax for the final coat though. Too thin can be a lttle more difficult with a dump gun because they put out a lot of material quickly. You can get different tip sizes if needed. If you have an old can of house paint laying around try spraying that first, you'll get the feel of using the dump gun before catalizing any gel coat.

The thinners let it lay down and level a little better, so sanding is easier. Nothing you can add will make gel coat better, it just makes it easier to spary.

 

[alldodge]

old can of house paint laying around try spraying that first, you'll get the feel of using the dump gun

Wow, that's cool, sounds like a great way to get use to the gun. Many Thanks I'll give it a go

Is moister a real biggy to deal with? Should I get a real good dryer or will about any of them do so long as they pass the air?

 

[ondarvr]

I try to use a water trap when possible.

 

[ondarvr]

Just sitting outdoors at the rooftop lounge at the Hilton Gardens downtown, very nice evening here. I fly back to Seattle in the morning.

 

[alldodge]

Just sitting outdoors at the rooftop lounge at the Hilton Gardens downtown, very nice evening here. I fly back to Seattle in the morning.

Wife use to work for Louisville convention and visitors bureau several years ago. I tried to see if she still knew folks that worked at the hotel to pass you a beverage of choice, sorry but she is unable to come up with a name. Maybe next time, use to know some folks in Seattle at the ship yard

What is a water trap?