West epoxy and Gelshield

[doug748]

I have just repaired my rudder, which is now has areas finished in original gelcoat, West epoxy and old Gelshield. I want to overcoat the lot to seal it and make it look pretty. Will the new finish stick to that lot? Thanks Brian.

 

[Spuddy]

Did the same earlier in the year. Don't know about Gelshield but did the dewax treatment on the new epoxy ( good scrub until water doesn't bead ) , then rubbed down everywhere with wet/dry cs it was tatty, then used primocon.
Not been in the water since but don't know any reason why why the layers shouldn't stick together.
regards...spuddy

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Brian,

If you have applied new epoxy resin you need to wash it and clean any residue left from curing, a plastic kitchen scourer is best the little green and yellow block. Run clean water over the job with a hose and rub till water no longer forms beads.

After this has been removed you can sand it to remove the gloss, a 250 grit is good for this.

At this stage you should consider sealing the whole thing. Apply 3 to 4 coats of epoxy resin wet on tacky, best done with a roller and tipped off with a brush.

When cured, wash and then sand as described above and coat with a suitable primer, I use International Interprotect, designed to prevent osmosis, but any 2 pot primer will do the job.

Finish with a Polyurethane for a lasting job.

Andavagoodweekend...........

 

[Birdseye]

I have a pair of jeans at home that got West epoxy on them 4 years ago. Still there after god knows how many washes. I even repaired a toilet cistern cracked from top right down to the bottom (dont ask!) with epoxy and woven rovings 2 years ago and its been underwater without leaking since then.

Epoxy sticks like sh*t to a blanket - I reckon you'll have no problem provided you give the surface a good cleaning / abrade. Just dont get it on your jeans