Gelcoat Thining confusion

[Tim]

I have been sucessful on my own hull repairs using fiberglass, west system epoxy resins and fillers,and finishing by spraying on white gelcoat thinned up to 50% with acetone. This is more acetone than recommended by some, but using a disposable spray bottle such as Preval's,I found it would clog using a thicker mix, and that the acetone evaporates quickly once applied. In Dr. Willis' trilogy, he recommends no more than 10% acetone (dulls the finish)and the balance be Styrene. When reading the label on Clear Cote's styrene resin thinner, it says no more than 5%, and too much styrene would inhibit proper curing. What is the proper ratios for thinning gelcoat?PS The white gelcoat is easier than adding color agents, and the white patches blend in acceptably with my off white hulls.

 

[Jim Willis]

I got my info from Fiberglass Hawaii

As a general rule, of course, the slower thinners give more gloss (but more potential for runs).However, the bottom line is "whatever works for you".I have not checked the recommendations that I giave first hand, having bot the info from brochures and leaflets from a local expert.I suggest that you call them. David Collignon of Fiberglass HAwaii in Santa Cruz CA is probably the best contact. ALso the people at TAP plastics(Tapplstics.com)ThanksJim Willis

 

[Tim Long]

Thanks for reference

Thanks for the reference to tap plastics, this is the first place have found Ivory color agent, which seems like it should be much easier to match off-white hulls than mixing from primary colors.I will also try to contact fiberglass hawaii.Do you know of a manufacturer that makes a premixed gelcoat thinner? I looked at many products from Interlux, but none seemed to be made for gelcoat.