Thicken gelcoat ?

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by Cjmac, Apr 21, 2018.

  1. Cjmac
    Joined: Mar 2018
    Posts: 32
    Likes: 0, Points: 6
    Location: Pensacola

    Cjmac Junior Member

    So im finally getting around to a few projects iv been needing to finish .. the gelcoat i have has wax in it . Can i thicken it with something to apply it on a vertical surface ? Trying to avoid having to do multiple coats . Witch would require sanding between coats .. also how thick do i have to apply gelcoat to properly cure ? I layed a thin coat on something once and stayed kinda tacky for a few days ..
     
  2. Blueknarr
    Joined: Aug 2017
    Posts: 1,449
    Likes: 412, Points: 83
    Location: Colorado

    Blueknarr Senior Member

    Every gelcoat I have worked with came from the can thick enough for vertical application.
    Did you thin it while adding wax?

    I routinely add multiple passes to soft set gelcoat. Regardless of application technique, spray, brush, roller, or pallet knife, there is a window of opportunity when first is firm enough to not be distributed wet still bonds strongly with second pass.

    I don't think it is physically possible to lay "to thin to cure" coats by brush or roller. When spraying, fully wet, flowing coats should cure properly. I noticed that the dry spray zone on parameter don't harden, but quickly go away with 600 wet sanding
     
  3. Cjmac
    Joined: Mar 2018
    Posts: 32
    Likes: 0, Points: 6
    Location: Pensacola

    Cjmac Junior Member

    I didnt thin it . I was just thinking it would have to be layed thick for a good cure and would run . But ll try to recoat when first coat is still tacky but wont run
     

  4. Glenn Tranchon
    Joined: Jul 2018
    Posts: 12
    Likes: 1, Points: 3
    Location: Wilmington,NC

    Glenn Tranchon Junior Member

    Thin with duratec or styrene and spray it with a cheap gun. Mix up a littke and soray it on your work area. Dump excess and clean gun reak quick. Once the first layer starts to tack you can spray another coat. 3 coats total will give you enough for a good wet sand and blending into other areas.
     
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