| Re: Paint or re-jelcoat ?
[Re: Soapysails]
#138246 03/30/08 07:44 AM 03/30/08 07:44 AM |
Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,348 fin.
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,348 | With out a paint booth, I fight with wind and bugs each time I have repainted one of our small cats. Granted, paint works, but this time I was thinking about Jelcoat.(white) Any ideas, including materials would be greatly appreciated.And while we are at it, spider webbing (small cracks) in old jelcoat..best approch ? IMO, paint is a giant pita! Gelcoat is easy to apply, easy to sand and repair. Despite lots of advice to the contrary I use a roller and lots of wet sandpaper, no tools at all. Just do a little experimentation with the hardener so that you get adequate "pot life". Roll on two or three coats in succession, just like spray painting. I use a waxed product and let it stand over night before sanding the next day and have had no problem with amine blush (or what ever that gooey stuff is). If you have heavy orange peel, start sanding with 240, if not you can start with 320, graduate to finer grades as the spirit moves you. I use wet/dry sandpaper, a bucket of water and old towel, to keep the dust down and the work surface clean. You can control orange peel by thinning with a little styrene. You can certainly use any tool you like, I just find them too noisy and I'm in no big hurry. Changing paper often makes the job much faster than you might think, whether working by hand or with a machine. Sandpaper is not the place to economize. As for the surface crazing, you're on your on. I'd just sand 'til I got tired and start gelcoating. If your supplier can't explain the advantages between waxed and unwaxed products, it would be best to find one that can <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.
Last edited by Tikipete; 03/30/08 07:54 AM.
| | | Re: Paint or re-jelcoat ?
[Re: Soapysails]
#138252 03/30/08 09:35 AM 03/30/08 09:35 AM |
Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,921 Michigan PTP
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,921 Michigan | Klaus, thanks for your input. My plan would be to redo the entire boat (hulls) I saw a bit of data from Jake on the material he uses..can't seem to find those comments now.. If you are looking for info from Jake's projects: teamseacats.com the guy should charge admission | | | Re: Paint or re-jelcoat ?
[Re: Soapysails]
#138254 03/30/08 10:08 AM 03/30/08 10:08 AM |
Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 12,310 South Carolina Jake
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 12,310 South Carolina | Klaus, thanks for your input. My plan would be to redo the entire boat (hulls) I saw a bit of data from Jake on the material he uses..can't seem to find those comments now.. I've never painted a boat before - but I'm sure there's nothing wrong with it. If painting in a breeze (even a light one), make sure the cars are in the garage and that the neighbors don't know what's happening. It's incredible how far tiny paint particles will travel. I use gelcoat and have been working to try and find the best way to lay it down smoothly - thin it too much and it won't cure properly. I do not use gelcoat with wax because it just adds another complication (you can also add the wax additive separately - it usually comes suspended in an Styrene solution). I'm experimenting now with Duratec additive which mixes with gelcoat 50/50 and is supposed to A) allow it to air-cure and B) let it lay down more smoothly....my first experiment with it wasn't that good - though it may have been my paint gun causing the problems (it did cure well). The best results I've ever had is using air-inhibited gelcoat and then top it with PVA once it's all laid down. The PVA seals it from the air and simply washes away later. I purchase most of my chemical supplies from: US Composites Fiberglass Supply
Jake Kohl | | | Re: Paint or re-jelcoat ?
[Re: Jake]
#138256 03/30/08 12:18 PM 03/30/08 12:18 PM |
Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 749 Santa Cruz, CA SurfCityRacing
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 749 Santa Cruz, CA | I'm experimenting now with Duratec additive which mixes with gelcoat 50/50
Jake, You're on the right track with the Clear Additive. You will grow to love the stuff. I use it in 40/60 (CA/Gel) ratio for better color saturation. It cures hard, and makes gelcoat repairs accessible to pretty much anyone. The only drawback is that it's pricey. When spraying, there is no need to add styrene, it sprays fine like it is. Just cat and go. Take an extra minute and do a test shot onto a piece of cardboard to get the volume/ air pressure/ fan width issues worked out, as you found out it shoots a little differently than straight gel, it's kind of stringy and very sticky. Try a little more air pressure. I'm telling you, you will love the stuff, it cuts our repair times in half. If you need help with shooting Duratec PM me. By the way, to anyone doing gel repairs, you don't need an expensive gun to spray the stuff. I go to Kragen auto and buy a handful of the HVLP guns on sale for $13. The oversized, cheap orface is perfect for gel. If you have a pot go off it's no big deal...not like my $300 auto gun. Gelcoat is your friend. | | |
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