gel coat cracks
- Thread starter CharlieAnn
- Start date
The only thing that will repair gelcoat defects is gelcoat. Check here for post #6 and follow the links from there.
Gelcoat is gelcoat, no one brand is particularly better than the other. Gelcoat is basically pigmented polyester resin. Minicraft in Florida and Spectrum offer color matched gelcoat for makes and models of boats.
Spectrum.........easy to color match. Recently purchased 5 quarts to make gelcoat repairs (from scratches and chips left by previous owners) to a 38-year-old boat
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I just picked some gelcoat up from a local supplier. With the help of the staff there we used a RAL color swatch to find the closest match to the parts I brought in. 30 minutes and $110 later I walked out with two quarts of two different colors
I've used a spray can from Minecraft. It works well for small projects, like using a can of spray paint. The biggest limitation is it is a one use product. Once the catalyst is injected into the can it is unusable for a short period of time before the gelcoat sets up inside the can. Make certain everything is ready and work quickly.
A good option, I've used them too. It is necessary to thin the gelcoat or the sprayer will clog and clean the sprayer immediately before the gelcoat sets up in the sprayer. I've used Acetone as a thinner, it works. Styrene is probably better as it flashes off faster.
In order to completely set up, gelcoat needs to be insulated from air. That's why finish gelcoats have wax in them. The wax floats to the surface of the wet gelcoat, blocks the air and the gelcoat cures.
If you have a job that might require multiple coats to build up to the correct thickness, use gelcoat without wax. Once applied the gelcoat will partially set up leaving a tacky surface which improves bonding with the next layer of gelcoat. When the gelcoat is thick enough, spray the surface with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVA) or a spray car wax. Once the gelcoat is sealed it will set up completely in a few minutes. PVA has the advantage of being water soluble, so it can be washed off. Car wax takes a more effort to remove.
In order to completely set up, gelcoat needs to be insulated from air. That's why finish gelcoats have wax in them. The wax floats to the surface of the wet gelcoat, blocks the air and the gelcoat cures.
If you have a job that might require multiple coats to build up to the correct thickness, use gelcoat without wax. Once applied the gelcoat will partially set up leaving a tacky surface which improves bonding with the next layer of gelcoat. When the gelcoat is thick enough, spray the surface with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVA) or a spray car wax. Once the gelcoat is sealed it will set up completely in a few minutes. PVA has the advantage of being water soluble, so it can be washed off. Car wax takes a more effort to remove.