Final layer of mold plug?

Im not an expert but the stuff I used, you can keep adding layers and the last layer add the additive that seals it off from the air and lets it harden. If you add that additive to the bottom layers it will prevent adhesion of the other layers so only add it to the last layer.

 

So I used gelcoat that does not have wax, I think I need a gelcoat that has wax because it hardened but is still a little sticky. I think I am going to have trouble sanding it. we will see if it's any better after when I get home from work.

What do you think wax or no wax?

 

build up the layers with normal gelcoat without wax.

each coat will stay tacky.

the last coat needs to have the wax added so it can cure correctly and then you can sand it as normal.

 

what he said )

 

also once the final waxed layer has gone on leave it overnight if possible to make sure it all has time to cure nicely.

what is it you are gelcoating?

have you got any pics?

you may find that you'll need to put on 3 or 4 layers of gelcoat so you can sand it flat.

2 layers won't be enough as you will sand through very easily.

once you have a mould to produce your finished job then you only need 2 gels.

 

It's just a flat piece of wood that is slightly curved (with a layer of epoxy on it). I will post a picture in a little bit

Thanks for the gel coat schedule, that makes a lot of sense... I am getting very familiar and more comfortable working with gelcoat. I just ordered some gel coat with wax to use as a final layer.

So normally when you lay up a part in the mold you want to make 2-3 layers of gelcoat?

And can anyone recommend a supplier of cheap disposable paint rollers pads since we cannot reuse once the chemicals harden (poly and epoxy)

 

Never buy gel coat with wax already added, just buy the wax and add it yourself.

 

I did both, bought wax added already and an additive... I am only buying pints and half pints now while I learn.

Why not just buy it with the wax already?

 

once wax has been added the uses for the gel coat are limited, plus you need to have both waxed and unwaxed gel coat on hand. By adding it yourself you only need the unwaxed version and it can be used for everything.

 

Gotcha that makes sense

 

Here is the piece with one layer of no wax white gel coat

 

Does tooling gel coat to make the mold surface need to be wax or no wax?

 

No wax,you need subsequent layers to bond to it.

 

Learning so much!!

 

Hey guys is Duratec always mixed with gelcoat? Or is it usually used by itself. What about the wax, does Duratec also need wax like gelcoat depending on how you are suing it?

And I guess you would need to dye the Duratec for color, like you would with neutral gelcoat?