Re-gelcoating a hull, coats?

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by alexhiguera, Feb 26, 2005.

  1. alexhiguera
    Joined: Dec 2004
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    Location: Puerto Rico

    alexhiguera Junior Member

    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?
     
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    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.
     
  3. alexhiguera
    Joined: Dec 2004
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    Location: Puerto Rico

    alexhiguera Junior Member

    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?
     
  4. GeoffSChapman
    Joined: Dec 2003
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    Location: France

    GeoffSChapman Junior Member

    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 :)
     
  5. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

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

  6. alexhiguera
    Joined: Dec 2004
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    Location: Puerto Rico

    alexhiguera Junior Member

    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.
     
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