will Gelcoat stick to Epoxy

[Capt Ram]

WIll gelcoat stick to epoxy? Im instaling a hatch and need to do a 2 inch strip?

[TeddyDiver]

Gelcoat over Epoxy
BR Teddy

[Capt Ram]

thanks!!

[ondarvr]

As a gel coat supplier we recommend not using gel coat over epoxy, the bond typically just isn't that good. And while there are ways to improve the bond, why spend more time and money when paint will do a much better job.

[tunnels]

Remember !!!!! Epoxy Will Go Over Polyester And Vinylester !!!
But Polyester And Vinlyester Does Not Stick Over Epoxy !!!!and In Most Cases Will Not Go Hard At All As The Epoxy Kills The Poly And Vinyl Esters !!!

[david@boatsmith]

We routinely do repairs with poly gelcoat over epoxy. We wash the epoxy with water and then promptly apply the gelcoat. We have not had any problems with this method. Some repairs are 6-7years old now.

[Capt Ram]

just water, no aceatone?

[david@boatsmith]

We also wipe with denatured alcohol but the water seems to neutralize the amines in the epoxy. Without the water wash we used to have problems. The amines seem to leech out during the extended curing of the epoxy. We wash with water and then alcohol and then apply the gelcoat. If it is not going to take it will be obvious within a few hours.

[Capt Ram]

Thanks David, im sailing in the Greek Islands at the moment, finding the right things to do the job with is not always easy here,im installing a new hatch-I have no denatured alcohol, but will wash with water and give a quick wipe with acetatone- by the way I love your boats, I was at a warran round up a few years back-N. Palm Beach and saw your work and met you-I was in my dink-thanks to all!

[david@boatsmith]

Thanks Ram, I remember. Denatured alcohol is stove fuel alcohol. Acetone will work.

[TeddyDiver]

Originally Posted by Capt Ram

Thanks David, im sailing in the Greek Islands at the moment, finding the right things to do the job with is not always easy here

Raki.. you can drink the left overs..