duratec high gloss or wax for gelcoat?

[ratking20]

i know the topcoat of my gelcoat should include wax in it. but has anyone ever used this duratec high gloss additive? is there any difference? i want a clean smooth shiny look to my gelcoat. a new boat look if i can

 

[oops!]

Re: duratec high gloss or wax for gelcoat?

this is what a gellcoated hull looks like with out any wax or additive

 

[oops!]

Re: duratec high gloss or wax for gelcoat?

wax aint great to put on a gellcoated hull.....it doesnt need it. gellcoat isnt paint.

a proper marine gellcoat polish and your good !

 

[ratking20]

Re: duratec high gloss or wax for gelcoat?

the gelcoat is for inside the hull. i am ripping out the old deck and replacing it. the old deck is nasty rug

 

[proshadetree]

Re: duratec high gloss or wax for gelcoat?

I have used it and it is ok if you keep the boat covered. I cant tell much difference for shine. It allows you to spray much better than before. It will allow the gell to break down and start oxidizing sooner. If it is covered or a trailer queen its great. Do not expect it to last 20 years like gell will.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: duratec high gloss or wax for gelcoat?

PVA is better than wax for a surfacing agent ..

Gloss Duratec is good stuff.. and your gel will lay down better on the initial spray.. but I only use it for spot repairs and not Full sprays.

You are going to have to sand and buff your spray job no matter what. Yes a New boat is what your going to get if you do your gel job properly and with the right steps ..

YD.

 

[BWT]

Re: duratec high gloss or wax for gelcoat?

Personally I use it on all of my larger spray jobs. For smaller stuff sometimes it makes sense, other situations I prefer to use unwaxed gel and pva. The reason I like it is that it is a reactive thinner (becomes part of the gelcoat) rather than an evaporative thinner (which can sometimes break down the protective qualities of gelcoat). If the person spraying knows what they are doing it's a horse a piece IMO. But for someone that has never sprayed gel before I strongly recommend using the additive; it just makes things a little more "user friendly".

Been using it for years and have never had a problem with pre-mature oxidation, fading, etc... BUT, make sure to mix it a little hotter than normal gel. Gelcoat w/out the additive should be catalyzed 1 to 1.5% with Mek-P, if you use the additive make sure to catalyze a full 2% and work with spraying smaller batches to avoid cooking your gun

Hope this helps!

~BWT