Finish Coat

Discussion in 'Materials' started by Agewon, Jul 19, 2007.

  1. Agewon
    Joined: Jul 2007
    Posts: 23
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: New Jersey

    Agewon Junior Member

    I am new to this forum and have already found numerous tips that will hep me with my project. I am making a cooler liner for a teak box and was unsure of the finishing steps. I have made a mold from plywood covered with laminate, waxed the mold with three cured coats of Meguires, and am at a standstill. My question; if i spray laminating gelcoat to the mold (After applying PVA) will my fiberglass/ epoxy layup bond to the gelcoat? I have read many bulletins that say no, and a few that give very presice directions to make it bond. I am using West Systems 105 resin.
    Or am i wasting my time? Should i just layup the glass, pull the part from the mold, and add several 6 mil barrier coats to the finish side, then paint?
    Also, i plan to use 2 part floatation foam for the insulation. Should 2" thickness be sufficient?
    Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Agewon
    Joined: Jul 2007
    Posts: 23
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: New Jersey

    Agewon Junior Member

    To answer my own question; I have spoken with West Systems and was told that the proper way was to use waxed gel coat and allow it to cure. When fully cured, de-wax and prep surface with 60 grit. Then appy layup as usual. It seems that if the gel coat is not fully cured, the "tack" will create a barrier and not allow the epoxy to set.
    West Systems was very helpful and i would recommend their products. I hope I may have also helped anyone with the same issues.
     
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