Gelcoat

Just about finished my fiberlass dome - ready to apply gelcoat to the exterior. Does anyone have experience applying gelcoat?

Dan

I just restored my dome. I applied 2 layers of resin with white pigment over 2 layers of 6 oz cloth. Finally I painted on a layer of white Gelcoat with wax. Gelcoat is not as fluid as resin, (like a latex paint). The Gelcoat was dull compared to the glossy appearance of resin, but polish brightens it up. I mixed Gelcoat with the same amount of MEK as in mixing resin. A couple weeks had passed since I had applied the last layer of resin, so I lightly wiped the surface with acetone dampened cloths, (sanding and cleaning was recommenced by a fisherman who is repairing a boat). This is messy as acetone dissolves resin so I do not recommend it. I skipped this process on the shutters. The Gelcoat is not thick, (like a layer of paint), but the white in two base resin layers helps. The gelcoat on the shutters appears thicker maybe because they were worked on the ground instead of on ladders and the surfaces weren’t as steep. Gelcoat contains wax so a second layer can not be applied. The wax causes it to cure and prevents bonding between layers. I may have pictures when done with the restoration. I’ll answer any questions but I have only this one experience using Gelcoat. If you have small boat builders in your area, they will have better advice.

Marc-Andre

If you have any concerns on recoating just sand and clean the surface with alcohol. Some solvents may attack the gelcoat. Alcohol should be fine. I work with aviation grade epoxies and avoid the polyester type materials so I may not be the must qualified on "boat" materials.