epoxy resin gel coat issue

dgopetactical

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Jul 3, 2007
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509
the 2' X 55' colored gel coat band above the water line around the boat was faded beyond repair. I deceided to use gpe epoxy gel coat in the color blue. I sanded the old gel coat with 200 and used a de-waxer following the manufactors directions. while applying the epoxy i noticed there was alot of areas that were seperating (not sticking). the first of 3 coats is on the boat now drying. When it drys if it ever does:eek:I am going to sand the epoxy with 300 and use a coarser grit on the bad areas and try again. Did anybody ever have a simular issue that can give me some tips. I am aware now i must have did a poor prep job.

The directions also said the first coat should be ready to recoat in 3 hours it is now six hours and still wet.I followed mixing directions to a T. except its 70 here with 65 humidity and the recomended temp after i figured out the celcius conversion is 90 degrees:confused:. it dont get 90 here till august. Now I see the forcast has changed and storms are comming. I gues im glad it the 1st coat. Anyhow if anybody can help me on the seperation problem that would be great
thanks,
Denny
 

dgopetactical

Chief Petty Officer
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Jul 3, 2007
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509
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

it took 8 hrs to dry to the touch. hopefully tomorrow at the butt crack of dawn it will be good enough to sand. still worried I will sand and still have still have adhesion issues.
Denny
 

Coors

Captain
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
3,367
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

70 is good, sounds like not cleaned.
acetone, then white vinegar, then another light sand.
 

dgopetactical

Chief Petty Officer
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509
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

I will do that, thanks. did a litttle sanding last night and were the seperation is it is alot rougher than I thought it would be. I have alot of sanding to do to smooth it out. I dont think ill be able to smooth it out 100% but I will do my best.
Denny
 

Bondo

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Staff member
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71,089
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

Ayuh,.....

I've always been under the impression that Gelcoat is a Polyester based coating,......

Just What is this stuff you're calling Epoxy Gelcoat........

Btw,.....
These Issues you're describing are the Exact Reasons I will keep on Painting boats instead of Trying to reGelcoat......
 

dgopetactical

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
509
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

Ayuh,.....

I've always been under the impression that Gelcoat is a Polyester based coating,......

Just What is this stuff you're calling Epoxy Gelcoat........

Btw,.....
These Issues you're describing are the Exact Reasons I will keep on Painting boats instead of Trying to reGelcoat......

MAX GPE A/B MEDIUM SET is a two-component epoxy based resin system designed to provide a broad range of mechanical and physical properties that is suitable for almost all types of epoxy resin applications. It can be utilized as a structural adhesive demonstrating excellent adhesion to wide selection of substrates, chemical resistant or protective coating, impregnating and laminating for composite applications, potting applications for electronics and as a casting resin for large and small applications.



MAX GPE A/B MEDIUM SET is mixed two parts Resin to one part Curing Agent by weight or by volume (2:1). The mixed consistency is very low in viscosity, clear and easily poured or applied in to place resulting in bubble free castings. MAX GPE A/B MEDIUM SET has a 60 minutes gel time that allows adequate working time for casting, coating, bonding and potting or encapsulating applications.



MAX GPE A/B MEDIUM SET performs well as an adhesive for metals, alloys, plastic, wood, stones products, fiberglass, carbon fiber composites and concrete and other substrates that require high tensile shear strength properties. Higher adhesion performance can be achieved after a post cure cycle of 1 hour at 120oC.



MAX GPE A/B MEDIUM SET coating properties exhibits very high gloss, good color stability, high surface and excellent chemical resistance. Optimized amounts UV inhibitors, anti-oxidants and stabilizers are incorporated with the MAX GPE A/B MEDIUM SET to provide added outdoor durability. An aliphatic polyurethane coating should be applied to further improved resistance to UV degradation.

MAX GPE A/B MEDIUM SET can be used as a protective or decorative coating for metals, alloys, plastic, wood, stones products, fiberglass, carbon fiber composites and concrete and other substrates Higher coating performance can be achieved after a post cure cycle of 1 hour at 120oC.



MAX GPE A/B MEDIUM SET is an excellent choice for composite fabrication using fiberglass, carbon fiber, Aramid, and other hybrid fabrics. Its low viscosity allows fast fabric wet-out resulting in minimal void and laminant porosity. Cured composites fabricated with

MAX GPE A/B MEDIUM SET exhibits exceptional mechanical properties such as impact resistance, compressive and tensile strength. Higher mechanical performance can be achieved after a post cure cycle of 1 hour at 120oC.



As a casting resin and potting compound, MAX GPE A/B MEDIUM SET demonstrates good dimensional stability excellent electrical insulative performance and low coefficient of expansion and contraction. General mechanical properties are enhanced after a post cure cycle of 1 hour at 120oC.



Pre-Mix And Mixing Notes

Prepare all needed tooling and materials before mixing the resin and curing agent together. Pour the desired amount of resin then the curing agent in a clean container and gently mix with a spatula or mixing blade until uniform blend is achieved. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container to insure a thorough mix. Pour or apply the resin directly unto the prepare surface and allow to cure for at least 24 to 36 hours. The mixed resin will set-up in less than 2 hours and can be handled in 3 hours.

Physical Properties



Viscosity
900 cPs Mixed

Mix Ratio
100 parts A to 50 parts B by weight or volume

Working Time
65 Minutes at 200 Gram Mass

Peak Exotherm
160oC

Time To Reach Peak
80 Minutes

Density
1.10 g/cc Cured

Cure Time
1 to 3 days at 25oC

Heat Cure
2 Hours @ 25oC Plus 1 Hour @ 120oC

Set-To-Dry @ 10 Mil Film
6 Hours

Surface Dry
9 Hours

Handling Time
8 Hours



Mechanical Properties (1)


Test Criteria
Room Temp Cure
Room Temp + Heat Cure

Hardness
78 D
81 D

Izod Impact ft-lb/in
.13
.19

Tensile Shear Strength psi
3,100
3,765

Tensile Strength psi
9,600
12,300

Tensile Modulus psi
460,000
489,120

Ultimate Elongation %
3.8
2.3

Heat Distortion Temperature
84oC
110oC

Compressive Strength
12,300
13,000

24 Hours Water Boil

% Weight Gain
2.2
1.8





Electrical Properties (1)




@ 23oC
@ 40oC
@ 60oC
@ 100oC

Dielectric Constant 100 Hz

ASTM D-150


4.7


4.7


4.7


5.4

Dissipation Factor 100Hz
3.4 x 10-3
3.1 x 10-3
3.5 x 10-3
6.9 x 10-3

Volume Resistivity

Ohm-cm


5.0 x 1015


3.4 x 1015


2.6 x 1014


2.4 x 1014

Dielectric Strength V/mil
1/8 Inch Thick

558







(1) Cured 2 hours at 80oC plus 3 hours 125o
 

dgopetactical

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
509
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

also if you go to ebay and search epoxy resin gel coat repiar it will come up. they have videos etc. evrything I looked at made me think this was what I needed. I still think it is a poor prep job not a product issue for now I should of stopped painting when I thought something was going wrong. Well its 08:17 going out to sand all day LOL ill be back with a update.
Denny
 

dgopetactical

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
509
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

I sanded 1 time with 100 1 time 200 2 times with 250 and 1 with 320. smooth as its gong to get. cleaned with acitone then white vinigar sanded again with 320 cleaned with white vinigar. too cold so far today to try it again with epoxy. I will try a test spot first then go from there. If it dont hold this time Im going to hit it with all grip exterior primer and try something else.
 

dgopetactical

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
509
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

applied another coat went on good just a few tiny sperating spots. I will take care of them before the next coat, I think were ok now.
thanks
Denny
 

oops!

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
12,932
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

i havent used the stuff at all before.....

but the prep of any job is the key.....

im totally guessing here, but i would guess you didnt get down past all the wax on your first try. wax is a releasing agent on gellcoat. (epoxy or poly)

the only way your gonna get that kind of heat, is with big heat lamps....doing a section at a time.


see lunds restoration.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,089
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

An aliphatic polyurethane coating should be applied to further improved resistance to UV degradation.

Ayuh,.....

What you posted leads me to believe that you're just using an Epoxy Resin,+ adding color to it.......

Epoxy is Not very tolerant of the Sun,.....
Even with added UV protection,.... They're recommending it be Painted to protect it.......

Which brings us full circle, back to my previous post.....

A Good Quality Paint would be Soo much Easier.......
 

erikgreen

Captain
Joined
Jan 8, 2007
Messages
3,105
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

I've actually ordered and used some of that stuff. It's epoxy with pigments added.

It's okay stuff if you prep and apply it correctly, but I think they're being a bit misleading about the ease of use and the applicability to various situations.

It tends to separate quite easily in the bottle, so you need to shake the bottle beforehand, and it's thick so shake it for 15 minutes or so. Then apply it thickly to the areas being coated. Very thickly. In fact, to coat a boat hull so it would be glossy like new boat gelcoat, the surface would have to be horizontal, to let the epoxy self level. Putting it on in thin coats won't work too well I don't think - you want one thick layer.

If you use this stuff thickly it does produce a super shiny surface, but so does interlux perfection, and it's a lot easier to use.

I did part of a transom with Max GPE... it turned out white, but I wouldn't call it gelcoated.

Erik
 

dgopetactical

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
509
Re: epoxy resin gel coat issue

Well I messed with that crap for over a week. went by the directions except for the exact temp. I was not happy at all sticky spots flashing etc. I sanded it down the best I could washed it with acitone primed it and painted it with a high gloss shrewinwilliams industrial marine paint. Dried quick, hard as nails, im happy. Should have did this from the start. Im glad this mini nightterror is over. Next Ill put the boat in the water and the paint will fall off. LOL:D
Denny
 
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