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Conference vicki::boats

Title:Powerboats
Notice:Introductions 2 /Classifieds 3 / '97 Ski Season 1267
Moderator:KWLITY::SUTER
Created:Thu May 12 1988
Last Modified:Wed Jun 04 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1275
Total number of notes:18109

594.0. "SPRAYING GELCOAT" by POBOX::SWENSON () Mon Jan 22 1990 15:55

    Is it possible to spray gelcoat? I am rebuilding the seats for my
    boat and would like to spray the  plywood before attaching the fabric.
    Considering the ROT problem I have found this seems to be a prudent
    appoach.  It seems gelcoat works well; it was used in the engine
    compartment wood which is still in great condition.
    
    I read a book that said gelcoat could be thinned with acetone. 
    This would seem to indicate a small spray gun could be used.
    
    Anyone have any experience here?
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594.1SEARAY::EASTMon Jan 22 1990 23:367
Never heard of spraying gelcoat onto wood...which isn't to say it can't be done

In Seattle, they use an epoxy-based paint over wood or old fiberglas when they
want to restore it.  I saw the work that a boat restorer had done to a wooden
Grand Banks, and it was awesome.  'Twer I you, I'd look into such a paint.

Jeff
594.2use epoxyMSCSSE::BERENSAlan BerensTue Jan 23 1990 01:546
re .0:

Gelcoat ain't the thing for this application -- it is brittle and not very 
waterproof (which is why fiberglass boats blister). If you want to seal the
plywood, use epoxy (either WEST or System 3). It can be applied with a
brush or roller, and two coats will seal the wood very well. 
594.3Another vote for West SystemsHAZEL::YELINEKWITHIN 10Tue Jan 23 1990 19:0714
    Acetone can be used to 'thin' gelcoat but what you want to use if
    you intend to spray it is styrene. Unless you have a temperature
    controlled area to work which is extremely dust free.....good results
    are tough to come by. Pro Fiberglass repair shops finish up using
    this method. The key word is "Pro". It takes quite a bit of time
    to dry/harden unless you're at the optimum temp.
    
    I'd have to second Alan's recommendation using the West Systems
    material available from Jamestown Supply (good prices:mail order) 
    in R.I. A friend of mine used this same 2 part epoxy type material
    to seal the center console he built from plywood. He finished up
    by sanding lightly followed by marine paint.
    
    /MArk
594.4YOU'RE RIGHT ABOUT EPOXY!POBOX::SWENSONWed Jan 24 1990 19:475
    I have come to the same conclusion about the West Systems Epoxy.
    How do I get in touch with Jamestown Supply in RI?  I buy the West
    products retail and would be interested mail order.
    
    What is the System 3 products?
594.5numbersMSCSSE::BERENSAlan BerensThu Jan 25 1990 12:0014
Jamesto -- 800-423-0030 (401-423-2520 in RI)

System 3 is a competitor of West. Their bulk prices are lower. I use 
System 3 resin and hardeners and West fillers and other supplies.

System 3 -- PO Box 70436, Seattle, WA 98107
            206-782-7976

The shelf life of epoxy resin is years, so I tend to buy it in 2.5 to 5 
gallon quantities, which is considerably cheaper. System 3 uses a 2:1 
resin/hardener ratio, so it is much easier to mix small quantities. 
System 3 also has a wider range of working temperatures using 3 different 
hardeners. A friend of mine is using System 3 to build a cold molded 36'
boat. 
594.6FIVE GALLONS OF RESIN?POBOX::SWENSONSun Jan 28 1990 14:115
    Do you build boats?  Five gallons of resin seems like a bunch! 
    I thought of buying a gallon, locally they want $60 for the West
    product.
    
    What is a cold mold?
594.7"CAN YOU MATCH IT???"STEREO::RONEYTue Jan 30 1990 12:4511
    Can you get gelcoat mixed to match the color of boats. I have a boat
    that has a minor scrap in the side of the hull and I would like to get
    it fixed. It's eight years old. I was thinking of contacting the
    manufacturer to see if that specific color of gelcoat is still
    available. I also thought it would be easier if I could get a shop to
    repair it, but I am concerned about matching the color. I know that
    body shops can match paint for cars, is this also do able for boats?
    
    
    Bob .....The EBKO owner..
    
594.8Yes, color can be matchedSMVDV2::JGUNNERSONJLGTue Jan 30 1990 14:352
    
    john
594.9but not foreverMSCSSE::BERENSAlan BerensTue Jan 30 1990 15:583
Color can be matched, but, I am told by boatyards, the original gelcoat and 
the patch weather differently and the patch may soon no longer match.