Gel Coat Newbie - OOPS!

[mcleaves]

I usually do all my posting in Tech, so I guess I should hi to this forum. HI!

I decided to give a shot at performing some gelcoat repairs. I have never done it before. I bought some gelcoat paste and mixed it up according to the directions. I applied it and let it sit overnight.

I just checked it 24 hours later and it is far from being cured. The container talked about covering the repair if you want a smooth surface after cure, but it didn't not mention that it NEEDED to be covered to ACTUALLY cure! I figured I'd be sanding and re coating as I figure the stuff out, so I didn't bother. I have since read in a few Google searches that it needs to be covered to cure

I figure I either didn't use enough hardener or I was supposed to cover it with plastic or wax paper as I have just read.. Maybe it was both.

I need some advice on how to remove that bad stuff. It's like the worlds worst goo. It was actually hard enough to make me think it was ready to sand, but when I started it just made an aweful mess. HELP!! Upon further inspection I can leave my fingerprint in it. It's very tacky. I also repaired several areas on my first shot and I should have known better. This means I have quite a bit to remove.

I also would appreciate some "real world" how-to advice for when I try it again. Been a boater for many many years, but have never bothered to effect any gelcoat repairs until now. I can't say I am excited to try it again!


Thanks,
Mike

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gel Coat Newbie - OOPS!

I figure I either didn't use enough hardener

Ayuh,... That's My Guess........

Try heating it Slightly with a lightbulb for abit,.....
It'll Cure,.... But it might take some Time......

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Gel Coat Newbie - OOPS!

Well up here in the Northeast....... curing times are measured in weeks!!! Should be in a warm area too.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Gel Coat Newbie - OOPS!

Well up here in the Northeast....... curing times are measured in weeks!!! Should be in a warm area too.

Well that brings up another point I guess.. The can indicated it would set up in an hour. Said to clean the area and then sand with 600.. No curing times longer than that. That's why I am surprised after 24 hours.

Now, I am here in the frigid cold of the Mass (not quite as bad a VT though!), but I AM lucky enough to be able to store indoors. Temps stay in the mid to low 50's in the bay she sits in.

How much is that going to play into it? Again, NOTHING on the can about temperature.

Thanks for the responses guys..

M

 

[Old Carver]

Re: Gel Coat Newbie - OOPS!

Your temperature of the vessel needs to be and product is designed to work best at around 65-70 on average,from the way I understand it,and this is real critical for good results in terms of time,bond and durability.Mix at 2% to start out,maybe a little more at your temps,but don't over catalyze.You don't need to sheet it but it can help to form it if you are not comfortable with a spreader.Sometimes a dowel of some kind can work like a rolling pin with sheet.Clean up is tough until you get the hang of using acetone and if you are not you have to be miserable,get some.The soft uncured needs to be ground out or washed with acetone and toothed and retried.Be sure to wash with acetone before applying gel for best results.A heat gun can be used but natural full heat is the real deal.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Gel Coat Newbie - OOPS!

Hmm, so where am I at with the mess I have made? I can get the temp in the shop up to the low 60's, but I am afraid what I have done won't cure now, although I am hoping bondo is right and it will eventually..

What would you guys do now that I have the stuff on there?

M

 

[oops!]

Re: Gel Coat Newbie - OOPS!

put a flood lamp on it.....

it should cure....
then it can be re-ground out.....

if it is the stuff im thinking of...its tough to use and the reason gell coat artists get paid so much.....

best way?????.....use filler and repaint

good luck

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Gel Coat Newbie - OOPS!

I moved the heat up in the shop a bit and placed a flood lamp on the heavy areas. The others are curing on their own now. The heat seems to be doing the trick.

Is there a certain period of time I should wait to start sanding?

Thanks for the input.

M

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gel Coat Newbie - OOPS!

Is there a certain period of time I should wait to start sanding?

Ayuh,..... When it's Hard enough not to clog your sandpaper.......