G-Flex Question - Curing Time

[chholden58]

Hello all,

I've embarked on my first season of boat repairs and I am looking for some advice on curing time/ expectations for West system G-Flex 655. We did a catalina smile repair, as well as some other smaller patching of cracks or scratches. The large smile repair area is not as solid as the smaller repairs. At this point, I am looking for some guidance to see if we should give things more time, or start over again.
Here are some details about this epoxy so far:

We applied G-Flex on Tuesday the 23rd. Conditions that day were in the 70s, we had just finished putting the epoxy on and realized rain was coming. We covered the boat, the rain only lasted 1-2 hours, but temperatures were in the 50s overnight. The following days temperatures were also in the 70s.

The boat is in an area where one side gets direst sun at some point during the day, and the other does not. There is no significant difference in the epoxy between the two sides. Yesterday, temperatures here reached mid-80s.

The epoxy that was put on smaller repairs have all cured. The large spots, where the catalina smile was repaired is still not quite right. I wouldn't necessarily describe it as "tacky" - it's not sticky. However, it does not feel as firm as it should, or as firm as the smaller repairs. There is a slightly greasy feeling residue left behind on your finger after touching these spots. Overall, the product has firmed up since the 24th (24hrs after application).

I currently have some shop lights pointed on the epoxy to see if some consistent heat might do the trick.

Thank you in advance for the advice!

- Cassie

 

[dlochner]

G-Flex is a flexible epoxy, hence the name.

I just used some in another application and found it to be a bit "rubbery" after curing for several days. Because it is flexible, it is a good product for your application.

West System is noted for good technical support. Try emailing them or calling on Tuesday and ask. If you do, please post their response so we can all benefit.

 

[thinwater]

a. On any important job, mix a little in a small container (less than 1/2-ounce) before starting and see if it goes off properly. I've know of mispackaged product (20 gallons on a large lining job--never cured because of a blending error--we were livid), and it also calms the nerves.
b. It may also be some amine blush.

 

[chholden58]

Thanks Dave!

I spoke with somebody from my local West Marine who repaired boats for 15+ years - he suggested the product should be similar to a garden hose - flexible, but strong - something you can push your fingernail into. The smaller spots look great and fit that description. The larger spots, especially with that strange residue, have me wondering...
I will give West System a call Tuesday and see what they recommend. I will post updates here.

Any additional feedback is welcome

 

[dlochner]

The slightly greasy feeling is, as @thinwater suggests, likely some amine blush. Try washing it off with a some water and a sponge or soft scrubby. If it is amine blush, it will come right off.

 

[chholden58]

It could very well be amine blush - I had never heard of this before. I sure hope this is what I am seeing, and not a call for a full do-over. I will look into this further, thank you @thinwater!! Sorry to hear about your experience with the 20gal product, yikes. Thanks for sharing that pro tip.

 

[thinwater]

Another thing about amine blush. It must be removed before painting or the paint won't dry.

 

[rgranger]

…or the paint won't dry.

Stick

 

[thinwater]

Stick

Dry or stick. It can be either or both.

 

[chholden58]

Hi all,

Turns out what I was seeing was just amine blush. Thank you for all the advice!

 

[Johnb]

Hi all,

Turns out what I was seeing was just amine blush. Thank you for all the advice!

Please tell us what you did to remove it and the final outcome - i.e. the rest of the story.

 

[Mechone]

Know many including myself it's shit no good for keel joint wait until you haul ,you would be better off with 5200

 

[chholden58]

Hi all,

The amine blush removal was simple - dawn dish soap and water, a scotch brite pad, or medium bristle brush. I washed, rinsed, and when it dried the film was gone - the epoxy was hard and shiny and looked like it should.

Now the final thing to do is paint. We will see how things look when we haul out mid season to check, and again at the end of the season.