laminating gelcoat vs gelcoat without wax

Discussion in 'Materials' started by b c, Sep 21, 2020.

  1. b c
    Joined: Sep 2020
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    Location: Tallahassee

    b c New Member

    Are these the same? I am resurfacing gelcoat on boat bottom areas. I understand that laminating gelcoat is the way to go for multiple layers and gelcoat with wax for the final coat. I am having trouble finding laminating gelcoat. Is it the same as gelcoat without wax?
     
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    Gelcoat is basically a paint, used on the surface of a laminated to cosmetic finish and to protect the laminate from UV damage. Unwaxed gelcoat is sold by hundreds of retailers. I googled it and got thousands of hits. Input "unwaxed gelcoat".
     
  3. Blueknarr
    Joined: Aug 2017
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    Location: Colorado

    Blueknarr Senior Member

    Yes . Gelcoat is rarely labeled as "laminating". "Waxed" had wax added. Wax free is usually not labeled.

    I suggest buying regular gel
     
  4. anthony goodson
    Joined: Mar 2007
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    Location: Dorset UK & Murcia Spain

    anthony goodson Senior Member

    Standard gelcoat will cure with a tacky receptive surface, ready for laminating. If you add wax to it, this forms a film on the surface and excludes the air, this allows the gelcoat to cure with a hard surface, so gelcoat with wax is known as flowcoat.
     
  5. b c
    Joined: Sep 2020
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    Location: Tallahassee

    b c New Member

    Thanks to all for your assistance. Add layers of unwaxed and then final coat with the wax gelcoat!
     

  6. Blueknarr
    Joined: Aug 2017
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    Location: Colorado

    Blueknarr Senior Member


    That's the ticket
     
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