Gel Coat repairs

I am getting ready to fix the nicks, dings, scrapes, etc. on my H16. I have a West polyester gel coat repair kit. In a Tap Plastics video they show putting plastic over the repair area to keep it from drying tacky and, I think, to improve drying speed. I have to do this outdoors and weather is mid 60's to low 70's. Is anyone familiar with this plastic technique and do you recommend it? Can you use kitchen plastic wrap or do you need something else?
Thanks as always

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Alfred
'87 H16 Sail 89907
If you aren't sailing on the edge, you're taking up too much room.

My preference is to use a stiffer mylar film. Helps to preform and requires less shaping.

You HAVE to cover the gelcoat with either plastic or pva (poly vinyl acetate) spray to make it cure properly. Gel coat does not cure properly in an oxygen environment.

The problem with plastic is that it deforms the gel coat surface.

Best repairs are well shaped and sanded smooth, then sprayed with gel coat (thinned)... wait 5 minutes and then spray the acetate (water based). Once the gel cures, you wash off the acetate with water. All is required then is a light sanding and polish if done properly.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks. I don't have the set up to spray. If you cover the gel, about how long does it take to set up?

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Alfred
'87 H16 Sail 89907
If you aren't sailing on the edge, you're taking up too much room.

preval sprayers are cheap

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=2155&familyName=Preval+Spray+Gun+Kit

try it, you'll like it

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

Alfred, The cure time of gelcoat is dependent on how much catalyst you use. Normally 15 - 20 drops per oz is sufficient. This ratio will vary somewhat depending on viscosity, color and manufacturer. Adding some "wax" (surfacing agent) will help get a tack free finish. Wax is a watery clear liquid and should be used very sparingly...maybe 4-5 drops per once of gelcoat. Covering the gel with Mylar film, wax paper or PVA really won't speed up the curing process. What they will do is help the gel cure better and with a harder finish. If you spray it, don't use Acetone to thin...it makes for a softer, chalky finish with lots of orange peel texture. The next HOTLINE will have an article on doing these repairs. It should be out as soon.

I would bet adding the wax to the gel is what gets yours to harden... I never used wax in the spray and HAD to cover. Otherwise the gel surface would remain soft... pretty much forever.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Use Styrene to thin for spraying.

http://www.fiberglasssupply.com/Product ... esins.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0fO8TVEtoQ

Happy spraying.

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Sail Revolution
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