Top coat or Gel Coat

[collinsp]

Hi guys,

I have to patch/fill a few areas on the coach roof, cockpit and scoop stern and wondering if it is better to use Gel coat or Top coat ?

I recently used Gel coat on the underside of the cockpit locker seats as they were almost yellow but found the gelcoat was setting way to quick, even using only 1% catalyst. Also did use the remainder of the pot to touch up a few tiny areas without catalyst and that has taken nearly 4 days to set :-( so won't be doing that again . . .

Any examples/experience you guys could share on the Gel Coat/Top coat would be much appreciated.

Thanks . . . .

 

[andyc352]

Hi guys,

I have to patch/fill a few areas on the coach roof, cockpit and scoop stern and wondering if it is better to use Gel coat or Top coat ?

I recently used Gel coat on the underside of the cockpit locker seats as they were almost yellow but found the gelcoat was setting way to quick, even using only 1% catalyst. Also did use the remainder of the pot to touch up a few tiny areas without catalyst and that has taken nearly 4 days to set :-( so won't be doing that again . . .

Any examples/experience you guys could share on the Gel Coat/Top coat would be much appreciated.

Thanks . . . .

Top coat is gel coat with wax added. Add wax to the final layer of gelcoat or it’ll remain tacky. Only add it to the final coat or you’ll have to sand each layer.

 

[KevinV]

The gelcoat isn't setting too fast, you're mixing too much in one go. I'd be amazed if the stuff applied without catalyst had actually gone off, more likely just dried, ready to fall off pdq. It's tricky stuff (at least I find it tricky), get ALL the prep and ALL the rubbish out of the way, have a double espresso to wind yourself up to speed - then mix fast and work fast