Splatter over gelcoat

Hello. Not sure if this is the right place to post. But here's what I've got; I've been restoring my 17 ft center console. I've just sanded the whole deck and getting ready to spray it. I've decided to keep it original. Base color with 2 splatter colors, blue and white in my case. I originally wanted to spray it all, go over it with each color of splatter, then spay with pva. I've been unable to get the pva to work in the time frame I will be spraying. I noticed anything after 15 mins and it doesn't work. So I decided to spray the whole boat with the base color with wax, then wash the wax off and sand with 120 grit(anything more and it look bad with gouges) then go back through and spray splatter with wax.

I'm somewhat worried about the mechanical bond that it produces(currently doing some testing now btw) and would really like to have it chemically bonded while it's still curing.

If I spray the base color, then spray the 2 coats of splatter, will the wax come to the surface through all that. The splatter is Fairly thick, as I'm not sure if the wax from the base coat will rise through it.

Another concern I have is how much time I have to get the splatter on. I read somewhere to do it while it's tacky. So is that whenever, as long as it's tacky, or what. The pva has to be sprayed in a certain time, is it about the same time as that? 15 to 20 mins, or do I have longer, as it takes longer than that for the waxed gelcoat to become tack free.
I was thinking of using a lower hardner percent, maybe 1 to 1.5 max. Days are 75 to 85 degrees that I plan to spray. Will that give me more time. I've been using 2 percent for everything so far. So I don't know how a lower percent will respond

I'll be spraying with a cup gun, number 6 nozzle. I can get the material down fairly fast. Thinking of spraying .5 to 1 gal. Then doing the 2 coats of splatter (would that probably be good?) As far as time goes? Ilk have a second person helping to get more mixed up and bring me supplies

This is my first time doing this. Maybe someone can give some hints. I've played and practiced on smaller stuff and feel good about it all. But the whole plan is yet to be determined. Any opinions or advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

Add wax to the gel coat, don't go less than 1.5% with the catalyst.

Spray the gel coat and then continue on with the splatter finish. For best results use webbing solution.

You have plenty of time to apply the webbing (splatter finish), don't be concerned about the bond.

Don't do this in direct sunlight.

Don't bother with PVA.

 

So I should be good with spraying the whole boat then doing the splatter in 2 coats. It just seems like a long time, but honestly idk how long it will take to put the gelcoat down as I've never done a huge batch. It will be 2 to 3 gals, the surface area of everything is 170 Sq ft. If you could say a time, how long would I have from the first spray of geocoat, to needing to get the splatter on before its too late?

I will be using webbing solution and was playing around with it tonight and got it how I like it.

It's just a decent bit of money and a ton more work if it's not done right. Want to remove any misconception or assume that's the way something works.
Thank you for your response it sounds like this shouldn't be as bad as I thought

 

Unless you are trying to hide the glass texture of the surface, 2 gallons will be more than enough. But this is without wasting much.

You'll have 1-2 hours to apply the webbing, more if it is cool and humid that day.

 

Thanks so much for the clarification!!!

 

Anyone else have any tips or anything to add that may help

 

Sounds like you’re trying to spray the splatter over uncurled gelcoat?
That’s a pretty tall order, especially if you use the same gun for both materials.
You can let the gelcoat base cure before spraying splatter, just be sure to wipe it well with the solvent recommended by the manufacturer.
A topcoat of clear PU over the splatter will anchor it for a very long time, as well as making it infinitely easier to keep clean.

 

It's very easy, no wiping or prep needed.

You just continue on with webbing immediately after you finish the last batch of gel coat.

Wiping with solvent can create problems.

Clear paints tend to not bond well to un-sanded gel coat, even sanded they tend to peel after excessive UV exposure.

 

Thanks for the reply. I don't like the idea of putting something down without prep. And while using a cup gun, changing out is quick and easy.

 

Update:

Did a practice run of everything on my livewell Covers I made. I wanted them to really stand out. It's the same splatter color of blue, but the base is white. I think it turned out great. I sprayed the base, wait about 30 mins on an 87 degree day, then splatter.


The only thing I noticed is the splatter has porosity. It's not a make or break deal. It's located on both smaller and larger specks. Some have them, others don't. It has nothing to do with the layer below it. As when I tested it on cardboard, it has the same results.

It's neutral gelcoat with 3 oz of liquid pigment from us composites. I only used 15 % webbing, as last I've I used 25% and it was too stringy for my liking. I now realize it had more to do with the air pressure and I am going back to the 25% just with lower pressure. (Also a different brand, and maybe I'm crazy but this stuff responds differently I believe). It was shot a very low psi, cup gun with #6 nozzle about 1 to 2 feet above the surface. Used just alittle over 2.5 % of wax solution. And I hate to admit it, but I may have had too much hardner in it at alittle over 2%. That may be the issue. But it wasn't over 2.25%

Anyone have any idea what might have happened?
Thank you

 

Another thing I noticed when you scratch the surface , its alittle lighter underneath. Will adding a 4th oz of blue pigment make that a more solid color? I realize it will be alittle lighter beneath. but this is alittle more.

 

The 'lighter blue is an affectation of being scratched. There's more changes in the surface angles. Therefore there's more highlights. Colors always appear whiter when scratched.

More pigment won't help.

 

Yes, you are correct. I cracked a piece that was left in the paper cup after I sprayed, and it was solid blue all the way through. Kinda weird that not all colors I have do that

 

Thank you for everyone that helped me get this going. I sprayed the deck and it looks absolutely great.
Some pics included for anyone interested. Again. Thank you so much