Re-gelcoating a hull, coats?

[alexhiguera]

Hi, how many coats of gelcoat are usualy required when re-gelcoating a hull?

I have heard of three coats with a 2.0mm tip in the HVLP gun.

But will it be enough to later sand (380, 600, 800,1000,1200 grits) and polish without eating thru the new gelcoat in some areas?

4 coats better?

How have you done it?

[gonzo]

If it is just for refinishing, use Duratek for reducer and one double coat wil do it. With Duratek you won't need to polish.

[alexhiguera]

Can I use a preval sprayer?
I'm only gonna touch up a few (4) small repairs about 3"x3" each.

Then it's: Gelcoat, liquid wax, catalyst and Duratek instead of styrene?

Who sells Duratek in Florida or anywhere, what company makes it?

[GeoffSChapman]

We have recently re-gelcoated (instead of painting) a Cigarette offshore where we used gelcoat mixed with a product called "Patch Aid" which allowed a finish close to paint, we had only to lightly sand and then polish.
We layed on just one coat for a finish like new.
I'll get the details from work and get back

Geoff
Uniquest Marine :)

[gonzo]

Patch Aid and Duratek are similar. They both are used instead of styrene. I'll check who sells them in Florida.

[alexhiguera]

GeofffsChapman, Gonzo, thanks for the info!
I very much doubt that anyone here in Puerto rico know about any of these products.

All my research has been reading and reading and asking on forums and suppliers over internet, I know lots about paint, not much about gelcoat, Fast learner!

Will look forward to any info from these products in Florida which is closer to Puerto Rico, and order some.