Poly-Resin as a Top Coat on Gel Coat?

[Condor1970]

Really dumb question, but after using a lot of this clear UV resistant laminating resin which is supposedly used for concrete and floors as well, I couldn't help but wonder something.

What if you sanded your oxidized gel coat to remove that hazy layer, then just rolled on a super thin coat of Epoxy Resin as a clear top coat?

Has anyone done this?

 

[jigngrub]

You mention poly resin (which means polyester resin) in your title and then epoxy resin in your post, do you realize there's a difference between the 2 and they're not the same thing?

Epoxy resin isn't UV stable and has to be protected from the sun to prevent breakdown.

Polyester resin is weak and brittle by itself and will crack and flake off without being reinforced with fiberglass mat or cloth.

It would be nice if it worked the way you mention, but it won't.

 

[Condor1970]

I'm sorry I should have been more specific. I have been using this stuff for sealing the wood floors, and laminating glass in my boat to make repairs. It is clear, and rock hard on surfaces when cured. It does not flake off. What I'm wondering is if it has enough UV protectants. It is a Polymer Epoxy resin, used for coatings. When using it as a top coat, it does not peel or chip, because it has a substrate for reinforcement. That's why gel coat doesn't chip either, because it has all the fiberglassing underneath to support it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARINE-GRADE...item35b8b44bf4

or this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EPOXY-RESIN-...item3381f99eca


The other option is to use a coat of 2-part Automotive clear coat, which does have all UV protectants needed. How well that would stand up though, I have no idea.

 

[tpenfield]

I think it would be better to let the gel coat do the job of a top coat.

 

[jigngrub]

I'm sorry I should have been more specific. I have been using this stuff for sealing the wood floors, and laminating glass in my boat to make repairs. It is clear, and rock hard on surfaces when cured. It does not flake off. What I'm wondering is if it has enough UV protectants. It is a Polymer Epoxy resin, used for coatings. When using it as a top coat, it does not peel or chip, because it has a substrate for reinforcement. That's why gel coat doesn't chip either, because it has all the fiberglassing underneath to support it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARINE-GRADE...item35b8b44bf4

or this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EPOXY-RESIN-...item3381f99eca


The other option is to use a coat of 2-part Automotive clear coat, which does have all UV protectants needed. How well that would stand up though, I have no idea.

I'm not familiar with that product, but you'll be taking a chance with any epoxy that isn't meant specifically for painting or coating paint. If the product yellows like most of them do over time it'll be a mess to clean off... unless you're going to paint your boat yellow, and then it'll probably still look bad.

I agree with penfield, do the gel coat.

 

[Bondo]

I'm sorry I should have been more specific. I have been using this stuff for sealing the wood floors, and laminating glass in my boat to make repairs. It is clear, and rock hard on surfaces when cured. It does not flake off. What I'm wondering is if it has enough UV protectants. It is a Polymer Epoxy resin, used for coatings. When using it as a top coat, it does not peel or chip, because it has a substrate for reinforcement. That's why gel coat doesn't chip either, because it has all the fiberglassing underneath to support it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARINE-GRADE...item35b8b44bf4

or this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EPOXY-RESIN-...item3381f99eca


The other option is to use a coat of 2-part Automotive clear coat, which does have all UV protectants needed. How well that would stand up though, I have no idea.

Ayuh,..... Lots, 'n lotsa folks come through here with metal flake bassboats that somebody tried to "Save" with automotive Clearcoat,.....

Donno how long it takes to peel off, but it obviously does,....

 

[Condor1970]

I've pretty much scratched the whole idea. The gel is still viable, after doing a ton of wet sanding, starting with 320gr, and working up to 600gr. I have some 800, 1500, and 2000gr on order. When it gets here, I can use my pneumatic pad sander to finish wet sanding, then use my polisher and some Meguiars one-step marine to finish it off. Hopefully this will restore the finish as I hope.