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Gelcoat with Wax = Flowcoat = Shiny or not?
stevebubs - 27/7/06 at 09:19 PM

If I add the 5% wax to my gelcoat to make topcoat, will it still buff up as nicely as the gelcoat?

[Edited on 28/7/06 by stevebubs]

Volvorsport - 27/7/06 at 09:55 PM

wax stops it going sticky if your using it on a roof etc , ie not in a mold

RazMan - 27/7/06 at 10:11 PM

Isn't gel with added wax called flow coat?

Chippy - 27/7/06 at 10:53 PM

Razman, sure is called Flow coat, and as stated is used to produce a Gel coat finish without a mould, usualy in places like the bilges of boats, to make them easier to keep clean. As far as using it to get a good finish on a rough outside moulding, well you can, but what a bloody job, best to use body filler, and spray the thing. Regards Ray

stevebubs - 27/7/06 at 11:00 PM

yes - flowcoat.

so flowcoat can be sanded and polished to a similar finish to gel?

Chippy - 27/7/06 at 11:39 PM

Problem with sanding Flow coat, or any gel coat, is that the heat generated melts it and clogs the abrasive, and as said in my previous post it's a bitch to get nice and flat. Personaly wouldn't bother, just a good body filler, sand it down and spray it. Will take less time and save you from a whole lot of grief. IMHO. Regards Ray

stevebubs - 27/7/06 at 11:58 PM

Except I'd have to spray the whole Fury.....not cheap...but I do have loads of gelcoat and sandpaper. So long as I can get a reasonable finish for now then I'll be happy and will go for the perfect job when I can afford it...

[Edited on 27/7/06 by stevebubs]

RazMan - 28/7/06 at 07:52 AM

If you are forced to stick with what you've got, you might be able to achieve a better finish by hand and doing it wet - should help with clogging.

Dave J - 28/7/06 at 10:01 AM

As Raz said, I would definately rub it down wet using ever finer wet and dry paper. I did this to great effect to remove orange peel effect on my gelcoat, finishing off with very fine acrylic polish. lovely job.

Dave

stevebubs - 28/7/06 at 03:02 PM

So - to summarise from the original question...

I should be able to get as good a finish with flowcoat as with gelcoat...

RazMan - 28/7/06 at 03:32 PM

IMO the wax might prevent getting a 'full on' shine but you should be able to get a reasonable finish.

Triton - 30/7/06 at 09:11 PM

Use tissue as last layer then flowcoat it

stevebubs - 30/7/06 at 11:32 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Triton
Use tissue as last layer then flowcoat it


Hmm...got a bit further in now...and loads of sanding to do.

Have dremelled out the join and filled with gelcoat, and put a load of tape on to allow it to air dry.

In some places on the join, the gelcoat is likely to be 8-10mm thick...is this going to give me problems later?

MikeRJ - 30/7/06 at 11:40 PM

If the join was not reinforced with tissue on the front side then it stands a good chance of cracking IME...