Applying gelcoat as top coat

[Corpus Skipper]

I always use at least 6 coats of mold release, and give the mold a good cleaning with mold cleaner first. I don't let it sit, wax then layup. Hope this helps.

[wet-foot]

So you clean the mold then wax and polish 6 coats one after another - then do the lay-up?

[Corpus Skipper]

Yup.

[wet-foot]

Corpus Skipper,
Your posts have certainly helped point me in the right direction, thanks so much. Make sure and let us all know when you get those new boats ready for market. Would enjoy checking them out on your website!!!!!!! Best of luck with your boat building business.

[Corpus Skipper]

Thanks, and I'll try to get some pictures up soon.

[Skip M.]

Brushable Gel Coat was mentioned early on in this thread. I know this discussion was some time ago, BUT...Where would I find brushable gel coat. What product name should I be looking for?

[Corpus Skipper]

There is an additive, I believe, that makes gelcoat "brushable". You will still have a considerable amount of sanding and polishing to do to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. I've found that short of spraying, rolling gelcoat on achieves the best results. Nothing will make it perfect unless it's laid up in a polished mold.

[ondarvr]

If this was a new mold 4 coats aren't enough and you need to wait between coats. Did you rewax it each time, or just before the first part?

You can use PVA on the mold for a more reliable release, but the surface may not be as good when you demold the part, so you may need to sand and buff it to get a good gloss.

Adding some Duratech clear will help it level when brushing.