LAminating gelcoat hard in 16 hours??

I bought a gallon of white laminating Seahawk gelcoat. Did some trials with none of the provided wax added and was surprised to find it was tacky/no transfer at 1:50 hours (OK), but was hard after the overnight. Fingernail made no impression. Sandpaper 80 grit sanded easily with no gumming on the paper. What gives?

Trial was in a 58 degree basement, low winter humidity. They recommend above 60.

Does this sound like defective product? If I do use it, I assume I should apply the second gelcoat and the first mat/resin layer at the gelcoat tacky stage and not let it go hard.

Thanks

 

Sounds like your Gelcoat already has wax in it

 

Looks you posted this twice

For the best results the laminate should be applied as soon as the gel coat is hard enough to accept it, but waiting over night is common. Some gel coats cure to a greater degree on the surface than others, and some feel almost tack free without wax, but you can still get a good bond with the laminate.

I can't say what's in the can you bought, it may have wax in it, or it may just feel that way.

Try rubbing a little resin on the surface and see if it slightly dissolves the gel coat, if it does your fine.