Gelcoat over epoxy?

[rebars1]

With the transom replaced and the splash well glassed in with West Systems 105 epoxy resin, I was ready to finish the area with some white gelcoat. However, the can said "do not apply over epoxy". What could I use to get a nice white finish? The clerk at the store was not sure. The boat is a small 14' 1971 Wizard with a 35hp outboard. I would also like a recommendation to re-coat the rest of the inside of the hull with something (non-slip paint?) Thank you.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Gelcoat over epoxy?

polyester won't bond to epoxy and that is the base of gelcoat is. How ever any good modified base enamel will bond to either product and can also be used with anti skid if you need to use it

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Gelcoat over epoxy?

I actually just read on a site, wished I could remember what it was, but they said that if the Epoxy is allowed to fully cure and the surface is properly prepped, you can use Gel Coat over Epoxy. They recommend doing a test patch first as you could end up with a total mess. Alot of people on this forum have said that Rustoleum works great if you don't want to goto the hastle of the prep work.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Gelcoat over epoxy?

There are an infinite number of paints that can be applied to sanded smooth epoxy. Some are simple like spray enamel and some are complex like 2 part cured polyurethanes. A well applied 2 part polyurethane would give you a beautiful rugged finish probably more rugged than gelcoat. Some big boat manufacturers used to not even bother with the gel coat on the hull and just used catalyzed (2-part) polyurethane.

 

[cowboyup]

Re: Gelcoat over epoxy?

I just finished my bilge area with epoxy and was contemplating the same gelcoat/epoxy question. So I called West Systems and spoke to their tech service. He said that once ALL the amines rise to the surface and the resin is fully cured, you remove the amine blush, abraid with #60-80 sandpaper, remove residue and coat with gelcoat or 2 part poly or whatever. He also said that any acrylic based color additive can be added to non-thickened epoxy to achieve a desired color as well as superior moisture barrier (compared to gelcoat). For me, I'm sticking (literally)with epoxy products. Even IF polyester and epoxy were equal performance wise, the smell alone would keep me away from poly. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

[MarkHPCA]

Re: Gelcoat over epoxy?

Check out the west syetm site there is an artical that deals with gelcoat over epoxy (see polyester over epoxy )<br /><br /> http://www.epoxyworks.com/

 

[ArtSmart]

Re: Gelcoat over epoxy?

Don't use polyester (gelcote). It won't cure. Use awlgrip paint. Much better performance than gelcote and looks better than gelcote too.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Gelcoat over epoxy?

Art you can cure gelcoate you just need a barrier cote on it or add sanding wax. It will then cure non-tacky. You can then sand and polish it no problem.