what type of resin or epoxy should i use under a new gelcoat

[rjarreau]

Hi, I have a 1997 promaster 19 foot center console boat. it came with carpet instead of the painted interior.i am going to remove the carpet and gelcoat the inside like all other center console fishing boats come with. now I went to my local marine where i bought the boat and to west marine and they told me to use a white colored gelcoat insted of a paint. so i bought a gallon of white gelcoat from west marine and a mold release agent for curing. i am going to replace a hatch hole in the rear of the boat and put a smaller one and repair a soft spot on the floor. now here is the problem. the dealer, west marine, and gallon of gelcoat says do not use over epoxy as it will not bond. only use polyester fiberglass resin. now every where i read in the forums they do not recommend polyester resins,everyone uses epoxy. and thats what is not recomended. i need to know what to use !!!! i also got a gallon of polester resin with the gelcoat. what is the best method for this ??

 

[JB]

Re: what type of resin or epoxy should i use under a new gelcoat

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Use the polyester resin.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: what type of resin or epoxy should i use under a new gelcoat

Use the poly, it is fine for what you are doing. You see a lot of recomendations for Epoxy being used, but that is mainly for structural use due to its ease of use and superior strengh. Polyester resin is fine, it is what your entire boat is made of. Gelcoat is basically colored polyester, and poly does not bond well to epoxy. Epoxy does bond well to poly. Thats all you really need to remember. I assume the gel you have either has some sort of traction niblets mixed in, or you are going to mix something in? If you apply it smooth you'll bust your buttox when it gets wet. I used a rubberized paint with traction niblets for my floor, it holds up very well and grips like crazy. Good luck and post some pics if you can...

 

[crab bait]

Re: what type of resin or epoxy should i use under a new gelcoat

i'd take the whole mess back an just rubber paint as per JASON.. no need the hassle of the gelcoat.. IMHO..

 

[JasonJ]

Re: what type of resin or epoxy should i use under a new gelcoat

What I liked about the product (Evercoat No-Skid) is that, besides the $40 per gallon cost, is that if you do damage it a bit, you just touch it up and go. I have not had any damage occur to mine at all. It is weather proof, grips like crazy, and comes in different colors. It only took one gallon for my project, yours would take two gallons, that should give you two good coats. As long as you are applying it to fiberglass and you prep the surface right, it works good.