Spraying gelcoat in a mold. Let the gelcoat “gel” in between coats.
Spraying gelcoat in a mold 0 ? i am loking to buy this PVA or Partall Film #10 is a release agent that helps with removing parts from a mold or can be used as a surfacing agent when using gelcoat without a wax additive (sanding aid). This guide focuses on reapplying gelcoat to an existing boat surface for restoration or repair purposes. Nov 1, 2005 · tips on spraying gelcoat? Discussion in ' Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building ' started by H2Only, Nov 1, 2005. Basically, i have a Gel coat which will cure after 5-6 hours and that Duratec will cure after 10 minutes when i will add a 1. Gel coat is normally sprayed with a “cup gun” like the E. Well, I tried it, and sure enough, the stuff's so thick that even with the pressure cranked up, it came Nov 26, 2024 · Discover everything about gelcoat, from application tips to customization with pigments, and keep your boat in pristine condition. This information will be very useful to determ Dec 5, 2024 · The mold to be sprayed must be positioned in the most ergonomic position to enable even coverage and to lessen operator fatigue. Jan 5, 2011 · This entry was posted in Fiberglass Repair, Gelcoat and tagged fiberglass mold, fiberglass mold instructions, how to make a fiberglass mold, using pva mold release, using tooling gelcoat on January 5, 2011 by Jason Revie. So I wanted to get some peoples' opinions/recommendations on a fairly entry level but competent spray system, one that mixes the mekp at the gun. If you need to spray larger surfaces, like Oct 24, 2011 · you are correct You are correct in that gelcoat can be sprayed on. The thickness you have to spray and the method of spraying is counterintuitive. This could be dirt, moisture or oils. Gelcoat is quite thick so take care to apply as even a coat as possible, taking more care with a brush or roller. Gelcoat does not flow out like paint. In this comprehensive tutorial, we show you how to spray gelcoat like a pro on a budget! Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just looking to save some money o Dec 17, 2024 · Gelcoat is a liquid that hardens to form a thick layer that's used to protect fiberglass and give it a shiny, smooth finish. This gun excels at large surface spraying, such as new mold construction, composite refinishing and large boat surface repair. This gun is used for spraying not only Aug 3, 2011 · Here's the issue with post applied gel coat, 99. Bleeding the airlines and using air filters can also help to lower any air related contaminates. Blisters refer to soft I use duratec in-mold as well, and I spray it with a 2. Building the Mold Begin by spraying 2 coats of Tooling Gelcoat (LBI 304) at least 15-20 mils thick. Some fabricators like to thin the gel coat before spraying and will add pure liquid styrene Gelcoat is a resin system that is filled with colorants and thickening agents and applied to a mold surface to form the cosmetic and weathering coating of a composite part. The process is similar to the hand lay-up process. It will foam slightly but dry to a clear, glossy shine. ← Painting an Aluminum Outdrive How to Apply Gelcoat → May 14, 2008 · Hey guys im wondering if anyone can help me out on how to spray Gel Coat for the first layer of making a mold. Anyways you have to treat duratec like thinned out, sprayable bondo (which it Dec 25, 2024 · Curious thought. A release agent is first applied to the mold followed by a layer of gelcoat. The gelcoat must be fluid enough to flow into the cavities of the non-skid pattern to avoid air entrapment. pre-spray documentation card Before beginning to spray gelcoat, use an Ashland Gelcoat Documentation Card to record: Gelcoat material code ¢ Batch number ¢ ¢ Ambient temperature and humidity ¢ Gelcoat and mold temperature ¢ Catalyst type and percent ¢ Tip size e the processing conditions. Feb 22, 2014 · Spraying gel coat Discussion in ' Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building ' started by makonate, Feb 22, 2014. Okay, I've made the mold for my transom cap, starting on the fishbox mold. Properly spraying gelcoat with the use of Duratec, can I achieve an acceptable finish without sanding? (No orange peel, glossy, smooth finish) Oct 27, 2020 · Fisheyes can occur because of excess or non-uniform mold release, thin gel coat, low-viscosity gel coat and poor spray patterns. it doesn't spray anything like paint. In a mold that has been prepared with mold release, apply 15-20 mils (check with wet film thickness gauge) of gelcoat with a brush, roller, or spray gun. 0mm HVLP. S. Feb 2, 2024 · It’s important to note that spraying gelcoat is not the same as applying it to a mold during the boat manufacturing process. The quick answer is that if you want a smooth shiny final surface by the time you do your wet sanding and buffing there won't be any wax left on the surface to worry about. This means that the gelcoat will be tacky, but will not come off onto your finger when touched. These steps are Crucial in In this step-by-step guide, learn how to spray tooling gelcoat like a pro. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a fiberglass mold from start to finish, including plug preparation, mold release and gel coat application, using fiberglass and resin an A series of videos to take the mystique out of making a fiberglass IOM hull and deck molds. [FONT=Calibri]1. Then you spray either product, prime and paint, or thinned gelcoat. The 2. Aug 21, 2021 · Thats just Gelcoat. I was watching a youtube video on making a mold and it sayis "a cleaning gun is a cheap way for spraying gelcoat". Next decide if you want to use an aluminum, plastic or paper cup to house the gelcoat. The gelcoat I purchased warns not to try to spray it through a regular automotive type spray gun. you can just forget a smooth slick finish with gel out of the gun without shooting in a mold. Or if you do it enough invest in a gelcoat spraying machine, it saves a lot of time. [/FONT]Ambient temp Sep 25, 2024 · Save your vessel from rot and more! Spraying gelcoat is easy and adds a protective barrier to fiberglass surfaces. The plug has been treated with multiple coats of Feb 12, 2003 · Hey guys, I'm trying to make a fiberglass mold, and I've purchased the needed meterials. Also rolling it on your deck will aid in the anti skid but it will still be fairly slick when wet unless you add some antiskid agent to it. Follow our guide below to achieve your desired finish when applying Scott Bader’s Crystic brush or spray gelcoats. Focusing our attention on the transom area of the boat, we go After sealing (FMS Sealer) and waxing with TR-102 regular mold release wax (10 coats, 1hr between coats) I sprayed the PE tooling gel coat today. In a mold is a bit different than for refinishing a large surface, which might be different than a smaller surface area. Gelcoats are based on a thermoset resin that requires an initiator and proper This "How To" video shows how to easily apply clear gel-coat to a mold to make a fiberglass part with an extremely glossy finish. Jan 7, 2022 · Starting with an all white gelcoat boat for example, If you wanted to spray gelcoat lines on the boat (after it's out of the mold), Or even a large area of black gelcoat, You would use the green 3m tape to seal the line, however that line will be raised from the rest of the gelcoat after getting the coverage you need to tune out the white. Once the gelcoat hardens, a chop system can be used to apply the fiber resin mixture onto the surface of the mold. The gelcoat is extremely hard and scratch resistant and has a very high gloss to help enhance the surface and make pulling parts easier. First off forget mist coats. Use conventional automotive spray equipment to apply a fine mist coat. I teach you what to look for when spraying, how to adjust the spray, and how to apply it to the surface you're coating. Next apply an appropriate release, again as per the manufacturers recommendations. Learn the step-by-step process & discover how to automate it for best results. After the MEKP hardener is added, there is generally about 20 minutes of working time before the gel coat will begin to harden. You can always mix duratec higloss additive in to a gelcoat which will make it much thinner. It has to be thinned enough to flow properly, you have to add sanding aid (wax) into it or spray over it with mold release wax for it to cure. Spraying tooling gelcoat is essential for achieving a smooth and professional finish on molds or parts. Spray from a distance that allows PVA to atomize (mist) completely before coming in contact with the gel coat. Of these two guns, the 3M accuspray is much better, it would be my choice for most small jobs over just about anything else. Applying can be achieved by spraying or wiping the green liquid on with a sponge. It can take 15-30 minutes How to Apply Gelcoat to Your Boat To maintain the look and sea-worthiness of your ship, Gelcoat is necessary. When manufactuers spray the gelcoat in a mold the mold does this for you. Next immediate step is to skin the entire surface with 1. Start your next project today! 1. Feb 3, 2023 · Spray-up, or chopping, is an open-molding process where resin and fiberglass are sprayed onto a reusable mold. Jun 19, 2019 · Equipment and techniques used depend on what it is you plan to do with the gel coat you’re spraying. It can take 15-30 minutes Feb 11, 2022 · Will from Hold Fast Marine has been working hard on creating helpful content for DIY boaters. Details: Gel coat is a formula Oct 23, 2011 · What is the minimum size of the nozzle to spray gelcoat in the boat mold 2. To ensure a proper release of the mold, several thin coats of PVA, can be added. The prep is the same as for paint, clean then sand/scuff, then clean again. 5% Jan 31, 2005 · You spray it on to prevent the new gelcoat from adhering to the existing surface. RIght now I don't have air tools so I can't use an air gun to spray it. I want to spray my gel coat onto my mold before i will do any lay up or infusion, but i want to know how can i thin my gel coat to make it sprayable?? Some guys are using that Duratec Hi Gloss additive like a thinner. For accuracy and durability of the mold, it’s best if the first layer is sprayed gel coat. Tooling Gelcoat requires MEK-P Catalyst GelCoat Systems products are typically used for Gel Coat Spray, chopper laminations, fiberglass wet-out, transfer and infusion molding, and to apply sealant and adhesive in the automotive, marine, industrial, construction, and other commercial markets. Jan 19, 2023 · How to build high quality production tooling for composites with polyester or vinyl-ester resin, tooling gelcoat and backing structure. Thoughts? Also if you had to choose between 9:1 spray system or pressure pot (pre-mix) which route Jun 17, 2020 · PVA or Partall Film #10 is a release agent that helps with removing parts from a mold or can be used as a surfacing agent when using gelcoat without a wax additive (sanding aid). This technique helps prevent porosity, resin tearing, and mottling. Using Tooling Gelcoat enhances the life of the mold significantly, allowing for cleaner pulls and less mold maintenance. Ensuring the wrist is flexible, begin by spraying away from the mold and bringing the gun towards it, keeping an even left-to-right spraying pattern at a constant distance of around 50–80 cm. The application process is slightly different for each use but hopefully this guide will give you a good idea of what needs to be done when working with gel coat. 9% of all research and testing is done for it to be used as an in mold coating, so in a post coat application like this you won't get many guarantees. . UV rays will yellow the About this item 【PREMIUM MATERIALS】Our air-powered gel coat spray gun is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, brass, and PP, with electroplating and injection molding processes to ensure it is sturdy and can be used for a long time. WHat im wondering is: is a cleaning gun he is talking about literally an empty windex bottle (well Apr 10, 2025 · Curious if anyone has sprayed gel with a 9:1 system with any luck? I know 13 or 15:1 is preferred but just curious if it would work out ok in a pinch for one project while I sort out a new replacement for a gel-specific option. Let the gelcoat “gel” in between coats. 5 mm ? or 4. Aug 24, 2012 · They must clean the mold release off after the panel comes out of the mold or maybe they use some kind of mold release that the spray on gel coat can adhere to. Gel coat is typically the first layer of a part to be applied. Not going to gelcoat cap so I can glass it in. When I spray the gelcoat onto the fishbox, What kind of gelcoat do I use, wax or non-wax? I plan to wax the molds with Partall #2 and spray with Also, you may be too close to gel coat surface while spraying or air pressure in the spray gun is too high forcing the PVA into the gel coat. This video goes over application tips and techniques for using a standard spray gun. Also, thick gelcoat makes it difficult to squeegee the Rubber Repair Non-Skid Pattern down level over large areas. Mould prep Start by cleaning the mould thoroughly and ensure that it is free of dust, debris and contaminants. I go over some of the standard practices that pros use to get excellent results with e In part 9 of the how to build a mold series we Spray the first coats of gelcoat and fiberglass on our custom hardtop for our 29-foot center console charter boat. Our hull has come to us in dozens of pieces, but it's time to make it look like a factory mold. You can use either a heavy-duty, reusable plastic cup or disposable paper cup for May 27, 2022 · Gel coat has many uses including mold construction, manufactured parts, cosmetic gel coat repairs and yacht/boat construction. If the mould is new, a sealing system may also be required prior to the release agent. #aqua Sep 23, 2024 · Fisheyes refer to small dots covering the surface of your gel coat, which are usually an indication of contaminates on the mold. 5 oz mat so that the gelcoat is locked in place. Jan 14, 2015 · spraying gelcoat Discussion in ' Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building ' started by 236eagle, Jan 14, 2015. PVA is soluble in water making it easy to wash off. On the earlier bodies the mold release and gel coat were sprayed into the mold before the fiberglass and resin were laid in. Follow the numbers in sequence In this video, we explore the revolutionary $10 gelcoat sprayer that is changing the game for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike! We'll dive into its features, performance, and how it can Jan 8, 2023 · We are talking about a 30 foot catamaran mold here, and I really hadn't considered that maybe it's not going to be efficient to mix and spray gelcoat into the mold with a cup gun. Jan 5, 2011 · Spraying Gelcoat: For best results spraying gelcoat, it is recommended to use a spray gun designed specifically for applying gelcoat and resins, such as the professional grade spray guns offered by FGCI and ES Manufacturing. 【WIDE APPLICATION】This gun will spray faster than conventional HVLP guns and will clean up in just a few minutes. If you are looking for a cost-effective way to make custom fiberglass molds, this step-by-step guide is exactly what you need. Today I seal up the hull bottom by spraying on a few coats of gelcoat using my 3m Accuspray gun and a few quarts of Duratech clear high gloss additive. And you are not doing a mold. Before you begin the spraying process, make sure your mold has a clean, dry surface in which to work. 5 tip on your gun? You could easily spray any gelcoat. Correct application of gelcoat is critical to get the optimum performance from it. We found his recent Gelcoat video to be very helpful, as we are very familiar with the questions and mysteries that come with using and applying Gelcoat. You can build up thickness of gelcoat Jan 16, 2013 · Re: Gelcoat and Duratec Clear High Gloss Additive You need the wax to seal the air from the surface and get a hard surface. This includes operations where polyester resins or gel coats are dispensed from a spray gun or flow coater to a mold surface, the surface of a molded part, tool or pattern surfaces, or other applications This video focuses ONLY on the spray gun, and the application of the gelcoat. Or you can use Duratecs clear topcoat in mold, theres a PE and VE available. Why didn’t the gel coat lay down and flow out to a smooth coat??? What did I do wrong? Here are the steps that I followed (hopefully you guys can tell me what I need to do differently to improve the results). Applying gelcoat to fiberglass is simple if you have the right tools and take care to mix your gelcoat properly. It’s like painting on window frames: […] Sep 3, 2024 · Spraying gel coat on a boat can be challenging. It may seem like a dark art, but spraying Gel Coat is a simple process with some basic technique and maintenance your HLVP Spray gun can last for years and give you trouble free service. Sep 23, 2020 · Jim spraying tooling gelcoat on plug. At around $175, it’s more than I’d like to spend for my relatively small project, though I’m sure it’s Tooling Gelcoat Orange Tooling Gelcoat is a formulation specifically meant for making molds. G100 Cup Gun. The finish you had came from a mold not from spraying it on. They may also be caused by contamination, such as oil, water, dust and debris. why not use a pressure pot with a 2. Tilt and Rotate carts are specifically designed to transfer molds through the gelcoat application, and simplify the gelcoat spray process by making all surfaces of a mold easily accessible to allow proper gelcoat spraying. This would be sprayed into a mold for a mid-sized boat, not a repair. Need to order gelcoat materials and sprayer for fishbox. It is often used in conjunction with a mold release waxwhich is applied to the surface first. Apr 14, 2024 · The first spray pass should be a thin continuous film (5 to 8 mils, dependent upon temperature, gelcoat viscosity, and mold wax). Jul 19, 2014 · Spray Gun Options I’m reproducing a part in carbon fiber, which requires me to make a mold of the existing part. Gelcoat is not only a nice resin that makes the vessel look nice; it protects the surface of the fiberglass and serves as a barrier to the absorption of water. Feb 24, 2012 · Re: Spraying or rolling gelcoat?! Yep, This ^^^ B True. 5mm nozzle is perfect for gel coat and resin. Gel coat is usually sprayed into the mold in several thin passes. Once the material is sprayed on the mold Sep 23, 2024 · The addition of 15% Duratec Hi-Gloss Gel Coat Additive to polyester tooling gel coat will yield a blend that is easily sprayed to form the final mold surface. Jul 25, 2025 · Since gel coat was designed for in-mold applications, the process is straightforward and relatively simple. In this video, you'll learn how to spray gelcoat perfectly every time. 0 Introduction This program is designed to provide training guidelines for spray operators in the open molding composites industry where monomer-based resin and gel coat materials are used. I had the same alligation problems and it’s because I treated Duratec like it was paint (hard to not do when you are a bodyman by trade ;)).