Question re: Semi permanent mold release problem

[dberr]

We have been working with a new hull mold for a 16 ft. RIB hull. We decided to use semi-permanent mold release to eliminate the time needed to wax the mold. We did a few small tests with the mold release and everthing looked OK. On the first hull we sprayed the gelcoat and waited for it to kick. About 90 minutes later we see areas of pre-release in the gelcoat before we have put any skin coat in!!! A short time later, one of these areas in the gelcoat cracks open. It was a very warm day when this happened, but our shop has pretty good ventilation. We removed the gelcoat and started again the next day. This time we got the skin coat in without any trouble, but with each layer of glass put in the hull we noticed the problem again. We have reduced the amount of MEKP used in an attempt to compensate for the warm weather we have had recently, but the problem kept occuring. We have followed the directions for the mold release, used the recommended wiping cloths, and run some tests before trying to build a hull. I don't know what I have done wrong and our supplier can only suggest that I should have used one coat instead of the three coats recommended in the instructions. Any suggestions?

db

[SamSam]

In this book...
https://www.boatdesigns.com/prodinfo...umber=12%2D435
that these people sell...
http://www.glen-l.com/
it says under

Gel coat pre-release before lamination.

Cause- High catalyst level-Uneven and/or too thick gelcoat allowed too long to cure. Possible solution- Decrease catalyst. Check millage, not to exceed25 mils wet. Gel coat should not be allowed to stay on the mold for more than several hours without laminating at least a skin coat. Varies with temperature--should be laminated within same day

Cause resin solids too low-PS-Check with manufacturer. Do not add styrene without their approval.

Cause-Uneven cure-PS- Improperly dispersed catalyst. Increase catalyst level. If low, use fans for more uniform cure.

Cause- Trapped Solvent-PS- Check for contamination such as acetone, water, oil, etc.

Gelcoat pre-release after lamination

Cause-Laminate curing too fast-PS-Check for proper catalyst level. Check resin to glass ratio. Resin drain out or puddling. Build laminate in stages.

The supplier doesn't sound like the person to ask. Call the manufacturer and see what they say.
It sounds like the release is working real good and the gel is curing too fast and shrinking and pulling away. You might just have to be real easy (low catalyst, slow cure) for the gel and skin coat.
You might also want to run the question in the "Fiberglass and composite " section in the boatbuilding part of this forum.

[dberr]

Thanks for the info Sam. It has been helpful. I have contacted the release manufacturer and should here from a technical sales rep in the next few days. I suspect that high shop temperature is the biggest part of my problem. I may have to work in the evening if the weather stays hot like this, i.e. 90+ deg. F in the shop, even with fans blowing all day. What do people do in the south who have shops with no air conditioning, use 0.5% MEKP??

db

[ondarvr]

There are many types and styles of Semi perm release agents, they have different release properties for each type of application, if you use one thats too slick you'll get pre-release problems.

The gel coat may have too short of a gel time though, so check with the supplier of each product.

Using a fan to blow air onto the gel coat will help also, that is if you're applying it correctly.