What type of anti-osmosis barrier layer?

[JDH1]

I have nearly finished scraping off 12 layers of antifouling and one coat of poorly cured Gelshield. Unfortunately this has resulted in quite a few scrapes to the gelcoat so I thought it would be prudent to protect the hull with an anti-osmosis barrier layer. I'm trying to weigh up the pros and cons of different products, such as VC Tar 2 and Gelshield 200. Advice to assist in making a decision welcome. Am I correct in understanding the former is more forgiving and simpler to apply? That might be key as I will be applying in the open air. Any other factors to consider

 

[tyce]

i found the gelshield 200 very easy to work with, cant think of any negative points (except cost and 6 coats)
just stick with the guidelines of temperature etc on the tin

 

[JDH1]

Thanks for the advice. did you apply in the open air? I wonder what learning there was for you from the various applications (I assume you encountered a variety of weather conditions)?

 

[Sans Bateau]

Try and track down a product called ME100. It is also marketed as a 'branded product' in another tin, but I could not find out which, the main advantage is that it is much cheaper than some of the leading makes.

 

[maxi]

Are you sure that you want to do this? The hull needs to be really deep -down dry to no more than 4% moisture content before epoxying. So called preventive measures can, and do, create the very problem that you are trying to avoid, by creating moisture entrapment and thus accellerating osmosis/hydrolysis.

Sorry if this rains upon your parade.

 

[SvenglishTommy]

I would seek professional(i.e. someone who will not from doing the work) advice before applying anything 'anti-osmosis'. I am no expert, but I was not under the impression that scratches to the gel-coat would do anything to increase the progress of osmosis.

 

[tyce]

i think the important issue here is that you have taken the trouble to remove all the antifoul right back to the gel coat so it would seem a waste not to epoxy the hull (i did it the hard way and know what a back breaker it is)

like the others have said tho make sure you have the hull moisture checked before doing it.

i applied mine outdoors in late march when we had a nice spell last year, i managed to easily get two coats on a day so only took 3 days and it was very easy to put on with a roller.