Gelcoat filler

[joe17]

Hi,

On sunday I filled a small hole in the bow with some gelcoat filler. When I went back today the surface was still quite soft. After some thought I decided to scrape it out and try again ,assuming that I had got the hardener mix wrong, however when I scraped only a thin surface layer came off and under that it was hard.

Any idea what has gone on there? The weather here has been sunny and relatively warm (> +10C in the day time) and the bows are directly in sun light for most of the day, so I dont think it is related to the temperature.

Thanks, once again.

Joe.

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[davidwf]

Was it real Gel Coat as if it is thats what it does as it only cures in the absence of air. Put sellotape over it to cure it at the surface. If it was something like plastic padding gel coat filler then it should harden even in contact with air.

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[Bod]

I think the presence of air inhibits the curing of the gelcoat, hence the soft surface. You can add a wax to the uncured polyester which prevent this. Hopefully the cured stuff is thick enough to polish back! (I also seem to recall something about putting clingfilm over the curing gel).

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[CharlotteRusse]

Don't quote me on this but...

I believe (from what I've read previously on this forum) that Gelcoat (don't know about Gelcoat filler?) needs covering with a barrier layer to get it to set properly. People have used Slide transparency plastic for the purpose.

None of this is personal experience so feel free to ignore!

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[BrendanS]

have a look at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ybw.com/cgi-bin/forums/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=mby&Number=248744&part=1>this thread. click here</A>
everything you need to know about gelcoat repairs, and how to avoid the surface not setting

<hr width=100% size=1>Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabris, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.

 

[joe17]

Yes, it was gelcoat filler not gelcoat

It wasnt plastic padding, but I am not sure of the brand.

I should also confess that the instructions were badly translated from Finnish by me.

Anyway thanks for the answers.

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[Althorne]

Re: Yes, it was gelcoat filler not gelcoat

I know this might sound a bit basic but, was it supposed to be added to resin and catalyst and did you do it? When I made my shower tray the gel coat I had was just a pigment and required the addition of both to set it off. It's easy to forget in the heat of the moment (sorry about the pun) and reading obscure instructions.

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