Thread:

gel coat and clear coat

hi guys i am new to this site but i have a question somebody may be able to help me out with. i work for a auto body shop and was wondering whats the different steps in working with gel coat rather then a clear coat other then the material itself ?

Gelcoat is catalyzed with a hardener same as used with resin, methyl ethyl keytone peroxide (MEKP) measured 10cc's per pint, I have reduced with acetone and sprayed with a 2.0 tip and have had much success with that, also have sprayed with as little as a 1.4 tip. dont worry about the amount of orange peel, its hard to spray for a finish because you will have to apply Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) coating over the top of your finish for full 100% cure, or you can usually purchase the gel with a surfacing agent, (Adding the surfacing agent will eliminate the use of the PVA) once cured, you may start blocking with as much as 220 grit paper, once you play with the material, you will figure a 320 or 400 will get it flat. I typically sand 320,600,1500 then buff for finish. there is more than one way to shave the kitty, but this is the way I am comfortable doing work.
people in different climates will notice that other materials work well with their climate so take that into consideration! some use styrene, parafin wax, cobalt and a plethora of other chemicals, I tend to keep it basic.
TRG