Applying gel coat finishes to fiberglass or composite assemblies is a combination of both procedure and approach. Any age you bag an epoxy or resin-based counsel, be prepared to commission in a Disinfected, dry and temperature-controlled nature. Changes in humidity wreaks ravaging on curing resins and dust in the air can ruin the finest wet Stop. Always wear a Respiration mask when applying gel coat. This not individual protects you from the chemical fumes on the other hand besides protects the gel coat Stop from sneezes, coughs or anything else expelled when Respiration or talking.
Surface preparation
Cause decided the surface is completely cured and gratuitous of grease and dirt. Before gel coating, Disinfected the complete surface thoroughly with a favorable degreaser cleaner such as Formula 409 or Great. After using the cleanser, buff the surface dry with a soft cloth. Then authorize the surface to stand for a infrequent minutes To admit the remain bit of moisture to dry. Avoid fingerprints on the surface. Skin oils can argument gel Billy-goat resin to cure improperly and advantage to unsightly blemishes. Always wear latex gloves when working approximately gel coat. Again, it not individual protects your hands nevertheless also protects surfaces from contaminating skin oils and hair. Very, before doing any gel coating adjust confident all fans, ventilators and air draft sources are turned off or closed. Wafting bits of dust Transplanting in wet gel coat can ruin the Stop.
Avoid multiple coats when spraying. One commendable still coat is bigger with gel coat than treating it like paint. Gel coat will be opaque (if desired) with one even spray coat. When finished spraying gel coat, make sure there is plenty of acetone to clean all components of the spray gun and holding tank.
Gel coat works elite with a 2mm spray nozzle nevertheless larger nozzles can effort provided you wish to embrace extra environment with Everyone pass of the spray gun. The apart drawback is production firm the filled swath of gel coat is evenly thick. Broad swaths are expanded feasible to be thick in the Centre and thinner on the path. A 2mm spray produces a charming much swath across the surface.
Spray application
Gel coat always works elite when sprayed on a surface. Applying an much, uninterrupted layer makes the surface continual and blemish-free. Gel coat is a resin that will harden and adhere to metal surfaces. Once it is cured, even a long soak in acetone may not clear the spray gun completely.Brush application
Applying gel coat with a brush is not recommended but can be done if necessary. Do not apply gel coat like paint. Apply gel coat with a full brush in long, even strokes. Try to have the brush travel from end to end of the surface, if possible. Try to avoid lifting the brush from the surface once you start. Again, the objective is to apply even thickness to the entire area. Brushes do not achieve this as easily or quickly as spray applicators. Be sure to have acetone ready to clean the brush and your gel coat container.
Gel Coat Hardening
Remember: once you add the hardener to gel coat you have a limited amount of time to get it applied. Consider mixing gel coat in the spray applicator container. This allows more time for applying the gel coat before hardening. Transferring the gel coat from one container to another takes precious time. It is important to finish applying your gel coat long before the manufacturer's estimated drying time. If you are applying gel coat to a large area (a fiberglass auto body panel, for example), make small batches and apply. Do not mix up a large amount of gel coat that you cannot apply before hardening. That's a great way to end up throwing away a lot of expensive material.
