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Reply to: ANOTHER gel coat vs paint question

[quote=UFgator]Personally I would stick with the original coating. Gelcoat is not that difficult. I had several nicks and hair line cracks on one of hulls as well as an area of exposed fiberglass on one of the bottoms. Not too bad though as the glass hadn't been compromised just the gelcoat. I mixed it up and layed it on. Fortunately my H16 is white. Keep in mind that age will change the color of all gelcoat. If you have to color match it will make the job more difficult. Paint is no where as durable as gelcoat and will have to be re-applied at least a few years later. No mater how delicately you beach your cat it's still like rubbing it against sand paper. The only catch to gelcoat is the working time. You can't mix too much up or it will set before you get in on the hull. I recommend a little Styrene Polymer to aid in thining and flow. I tried several application techniquies but ended up using a foam brush for larger areas. The smoother you put it on the less sanding you'll have to do. I used Evercoat finish gelcoat because it will air dry and doesn't require PVA to cure. I worked in small areas and mixed 1 or 2 ounces at a time. The temps were upper 70's and the humidity was 40% or so. Not too critical but not hot or wet. I worked in the shade also. I would mix 1oz gelcoat with 14 drops of MEKP. If I needed a more fluid mix I would add the Styrene Polymer. It will make the mix less opaque so limit the volume. You can mix Styrene Polymer with gelcoat up to a 1:1 ration and it will still cure. Prep is important. Clean the surface with Acetone. Don't thin the gel with Acetone. Lots of people say you can but it can introduce problems with cure time and outcome. Send a private message if you have questions.[/quote]

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