Applying gelcoat

wallybme

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 21, 2008
Messages
161
I plan to apply my gelcoat tomorrow and am just checking to see if I am on the right track. I will be applying two coats. First after sanding the area to be gelcoated, I will apply my first coat without wax. I would allow it to dry, them apply the second coat with wax and then allow it to dry. Next I will sand then buff. Is this all I need to do?
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: Applying gelcoat

any advice

Ayuh,.... Apply twice as much as you think ya need, 'cause you'll be sandin' Off more than you think, to get it smooth, 'n shiny...
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Applying gelcoat

any advice

Kinda hard to give advice when most of us are telling bedtime stories to our youngsters :) ..

Yes you need more then two coats as the last coat will be sanded off basically.

I dont put less then 3 coats of Paint on much less gelcoat..

YD.
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Re: Applying gelcoat

Now we're getting closer.

Yes you have it about right, but as already stated, apply more than you think you need.
 

glnbnz

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 4, 2011
Messages
458
Re: Applying gelcoat

I put about 5 coats of Gel on my deck. But I rolled mine on and didn't sand nor buff it. I am using the orange peel as a non skid surface and so far it is working out pretty good :)
 

oops!

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
12,932
Re: Applying gelcoat

a quick tip for you......after each coat,,,,

take a bondo spreader.....and swipe gellcoat over the last coat.

this will fill most of the lows left by the brush.

the lows will actually be at the surface of the glass. the highs...will be the thickness of the coat.

so take a bondo spreader....spread some gellcoat on the boat to fill the lows....let that get tacky or semi cured (about 15 -20 mins) ant then apply your next layer.
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Re: Applying gelcoat

a quick tip for you......after each coat,,,,

take a bondo spreader.....and swipe gellcoat over the last coat.

this will fill most of the lows left by the brush.

the lows will actually be at the surface of the glass. the highs...will be the thickness of the coat.

so take a bondo spreader....spread some gellcoat on the boat to fill the lows....let that get tacky or semi cured (about 15 -20 mins) ant then apply your next layer.

Who is this new guy with crazy ideas????

LOL.
 

mrdjflores

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 1, 2009
Messages
1,169
Re: Applying gelcoat

i think someone's iboat account got hacked...lol
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Applying gelcoat

Who is this new guy with crazy ideas????

LOL.

Im not sure how to take this..

Good or Bad Idea ? ..

I think Brushing is a bad Idea for gel..

I think Rolling is a bad Idea for gel..

Yea sure I guess it can be done..but dont come to me asking to put a finish on rolled/brushed application of gel.

You would be better off using a notched window squeege than an trowel of any fashion ..

I dunno..

YD.
 
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