Gel Coat Aplication

[nikobrogna]

I know that this has been posted before, but I need a little more info. I will be regelcoating my deck soon. (Gelcoat! I'm not using awlgrip, Imron, two part polyurethane etc. no matter how good it looks or how easy it is or how much more durable or shiny or easier to maintain than gelcoat it is! I apologize for the hostility, but I already bought the gelcoat, before even thinking about awlgrip, and I am frustrated with myself for doing so.)
I have done all of the structural glass repairs that needed to be done, and faired them smooth. I've sanded the deck down with 60, 100, and 120. I have only used polyster based products in the fairing and glassing, as I have read that epoxy sticks to polyester, but not the other way around. Anyway, I think that I'm ready to slap the gelcoat on. Has anyone rolled it on? I dont want to risk ruining my spray gun. I dont mind doing a bit of wetsanding. How much will the gelcoat level out after apllication? Should I tip it off with a brush? Will I need more than one coat? Also, after all of this sanding, the wax is gone, right? I think that it is, because water doesn't bead up on it at all. Or is it still there and I have to wipe it off with something? Also, do I wipe it down after it cures, before wetsanding? Finally, The nonskid on either side of the cockpit was pretty worn down, and I am sure that gelcoating over it wouldn't have helped much, so I sanded it smooth. Masking ff the nonskid wasn't an option either, as one of the fiberglass repairs ran into this area. After I gelcoat the deck, what kind of nonskid should I put on these areas? I don't want to use anything too coarse, as this could get uncomfortable, but I also want something more durable than an adhesive backed material.
Thanks, I'd appreciate any thoughts or ideas
-Nick

 

[DanB]

Gelcoat is the tough stuff. It’s pretty much the plastic resin of fiberglass only without the glass fibers. People are just trying to help you out by showing you the easier way with deck paint. Gelcoat takes more practice to learn. You will want to get a book or two on fiberglass boat building and study the chapters on gelcoat. Most books assume you are working in a mold and start you off with mold release. They go on to building up thin layers to achieve a final thickness. You will need to think in the reverse order for your project. Make sure you are using your laminating resin for all but the last layer. The last layer will be where you use your finishing gelcoat or add the mold release agent to laminating gelcoat for a tack free surface cure.
You can brush the stuff on. Be sure you have the brush on type with less styrene than the spray type. Brushing the spray type makes a brittle coating that cracks. Spraying is best.

Call these guys for input and books: http://www.fibreglast.com , http://www.fiberglasssupply.com , http://www.fiberlay.com , http://www.fiberglasswarehouse.com/learning_center.asp

Video on spray techniques: http://www.rayplex.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jpjoipe0

 

[jsdeimel]

1 How much will the gelcoat level out after application? For the most part it won't. What you see is what you get.
2 Also, after all of this sanding, the wax is gone, right? I think that it is, because water doesn't bead up on it at all. Or is it still there and I have to wipe it off with something? You need to scrub the area with a rag and acetone. Don't touch it after this as the grease off your hands can cause issues.
3 After I gelcoat the deck, what kind of nonskid should I put on these areas?
Use awlgrip griptex for this. You can either mix it in the gel coat or sprinkle it on top after applying. It comes in fine or coarse.
4 You should consider getting a HF cheap spray gun and shoot it.