Has anyone here worked with epoxy gelcoat?

[J. Mark]

I saw this on ebay with the seller I bought cloth and epoxy from and it looked like the roll on process was far smoother than I would have expected.

Years ago I used some Poly gelcoat and was frustrated in how it went on. While I fully expect that this product would not go on as smoothly as the video suggests, I am still very intrigued as my hull is a pretty stark white where cleaned and the rubbed through spots of gelcoat are where the boat rides up the bunks and is likely to only get more wear over the years.

A tough epoxy gelcoat sounds a lot better to me than painting, but maybe it is just good advertising that has me believing the product might be easier to use than polyester based gelcoat.

I don't need the bottom paint to be perfect, but I'd like my work to show at least a degree of competency-so if anyone has used an epoxy gelcoat, please educate me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=220388257015

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Has anyone here worked with epoxy gelcoat?

I've tried this stuff.

It's not as great as it seems, unfortunately. The epoxy and the filler they use to give it color and UV protection tend to separate, and if not thoroughly mixed together the final coating is translucent.

I bought two gallons and I ended up tossing one, just because I couldn't use the stuff for color and I couldn't trust it for lamination.

I think the problem is that to protect the epoxy from UV you need to mix in a lot of filler, and you have to apply the mixed stuff evenly. It tends to separate, and it's thick and hard to spread evenly.

I suspect a dump gun or a large HVLP type sprayer would work pretty well with this.

I am going to use a mix of epoxy and graphite on the bottom of my latest boat... with a little work it makes a nice bottom covering. But I wouldn't try to apply it anywhere I'll look at regularly, it's too hard to make it come out evenly.

The best shiny covering for a boat is either molded gelcoat or a high quality marine paint One of the single part epoxy paints like easypoxy might be what you're looking for.

Erik

Edit: PS: The samples they show of the colors are really what you get if a) you mix thoroughly with a mechanical mixer before use b) you apply in a thick layer using a brush, not a roller and c) You apply enough to let the stuff self level, and it's being applied on a flat, level surface. It'll drip if applied thickly on a vertical surface, and it won't form a nice, smooth opaque layer unless applied thickly.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Has anyone here worked with epoxy gelcoat?

Ayuh,... It's my understanding that Epoxy doesn't like Sunlight.....

I've Never ever heard of Epoxy Gelcoat....

 

[J. Mark]

Re: Has anyone here worked with epoxy gelcoat?

thanks guys, it looked too good to be true so i figured it probably was. All I need to touch up is below the waterline, so it looks like I'll just use marine tex and try and get a good blend. If that fails, then paint will be the next option, but I can live with a slight discoloration til the end of the season if I can just get the boat ready for the water.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Has anyone here worked with epoxy gelcoat?

If you're looking for a touch up I think there are gelcoat matching products that are epoxy based, or are at least like Marine-tex in that they don't fade in sunlight.

I've been thinking of using something like that myself, rather than paint the whole hull, because most of my gelcoat is in good shape.

Erik

 

[dgopetactical]

Re: Has anyone here worked with epoxy gelcoat?

I tried that stuff from ebay last year(dark blue) it was a total disaster. The stuff goes on transparent stayed tacky. Directions say you have to apply it above 80deg out side temp. I gave up after 4 coats, took most of it off with acetone light sand job and did it in rustoleum couldnt be happier. In ending just stay away from that stuff.
Denny