Gelcoat Tricks

chaotic67 · 07-30-2010, 09:37 AM

ok a lil input, got a project scarab and gonna b a complete resto. topside I will be doin a full airbrushing, but figure if I go this far that I'd really like to regel the hull my only question is that i have shot auto paint on several occassions with terrific results. but also understand that gelcoat much thicker and less forgiving so am looking for some advise as to the best way to go about it.thanks in advance............

rchevelle71 · 07-30-2010, 10:21 AM

I cant give you any tricks, as I have only done bilges and interior stuff, but from what I have seen it is actually MORE forgiving, one piece of advice though DO NOT let it kick in the gun

chaotic67 · 07-30-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rchevelle71

I cant give you any tricks, as I have only done bilges and interior stuff, but from what I have seen it is actually MORE forgiving, one piece of advice though DO NOT let it kick in the gun

any idea of time frame or is based on mixture as I said not really up on this type of system, but I've heard that it doesn't like standard orifices on the gun....

rchevelle71 · 07-30-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaotic67

any idea of time frame or is based on mixture as I said not really up on this type of system, but I've heard that it doesn't like standard orifices on the gun....

DO not mix more than you can shoot in say 15 minutes, I went light on the MEKP when I shot mine. You have to thin it, and get a gun with a large(approx 1.4mm) orifice, other than that, shoot away. Be careful to remove as much of the old paint as possible, and do not overthin, otherwise it will wrinkle any paint left behind.

chaotic67 · 07-30-2010, 12:07 PM

the good thing is, the hull is all white now no other paint on it but original factory gel. obviously no clear over below water line correct?

rchevelle71 · 07-30-2010, 12:37 PM

If it is already white gel, I would just scuff it, and shoot a new coat.

glassdave · 07-31-2010, 12:31 PM

What size scarab are you restoring and do you want to re gel the entire boat or just the running surface? Gel has a bit of a learning curve and you can get into trouble quick if you dont stay ahead of it. Its certainly something you can do if you have paint experience. You can use traditional automotive equipment but it has to be set up with the largest fluid tip you can get (2.2) and you will also need to use an additive called Duratech. Duratech thins the gel enough to spray and also lets it achieve full cure in open air. To be honest unless you have a lot of damage that requires the fairing and straightening abilities of gel i wouldnt bother and would go a traditional route with automotive paints and primers. Will the boat be kept in the water or on a trailer?

chaotic67 · 08-01-2010, 03:11 AM

I trailer the boat, but don't ever want to rule out it sitting in the water for a long weekend (freshwater only). Just not sure how auto paint would hold up below the water line with the long weekend scenario. But I guess some of myairbrushing on the sides will be under as the boats sqauts quite a bit in the rear. I'd be a lil worried about yellowing of clear below the water.

glassdave · 08-01-2010, 08:13 AM

Automotive paints are fine for a few days in the water. Its always better to have gel on the running surface in all situations. Sides and deck will be fine with paint, just use a high quality product. I'm a PPG guy so my mainstay is DBC base coats and DCU 2021 for clear. For single stage i'm a big fan of DCU. What products do you normally use?

chaotic67 · 08-01-2010, 07:30 PM

I've had great results using everything from the most forgiving nason systems to house of kolors which is a little more sensitive. Have never attempted gel the boats a 22 scarab so there's really not much running area. By the way caught some of the picture of your job on that cat very nice. I'm sure we all would agree that a great paint job begins with a great prep job.. anyway I think I would prefer gel on the running surface just for the durability factor.