How to mix gelcoat Manager at store told me to run 10-12 drops per oz of gelcoat I mix up. Nov 26, 2024 · This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about gelcoat—what it is, the differences between waxed and unwaxed varieties, application techniques, practical uses, and how to mix it with pigments and fillers to nail that perfect finish. Many customers get in touch with me about the gel coat they purchase from the factory. Make sure damaged areas are clean and free of dirt, grease and wax, etc. This will allow for a proper cure. com/. 2. Mixing: Following the instructions provided in the Evercoat Marine Gelcoat Repair Kit, mix the polyester gelcoat and the liquid hardener. Although it appears that the metal flakes are mixed into the base coat, they are usually mixed into the clear gel coat. About midway as 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 The gelcoat putty is used for filling in cracks, chips, and gouges. It’s like painting on window frames: […] May 27, 2022 · Mix the resin and MEKP hardener thoroughly ***Some gel coat guns mix the resin and MEKP as it is sprayed. Sep 7, 2002 · Gelcoat will not harden when exposed to air, so the surface will remain tacky while the body of the material hardens. A mechanical mixer can be very effective in achieving a homogeneous mixture. Is your work area heated? Before use, mix the gelcoat for 10 to 15 minutes with a paddle-type mixer. Gelcoat prep First check that the containers are damage free before opening them. Obviously ignore this if you're working with a large area. Jul 17, 2012 · Gelcoat Color Match Chart Our Gelcoat Color Match Chart is the perfect solution for any boat repair project. Fumes Silica is used in conjunction with other fillers to reduce resin drainage and to enhance working properties such as spreading. This ensures no uncatalyzed material remains on the sides of the pot. Well it was not cured this morning after applying it last night which is either one of two things old hardener that came with the gelcoat or not Gelcoat will not darken or change colors when it dries. Feb 1, 2021 · 2 – Mixing the filler Start with some white gelcoat filler and add some Cabosil, (a colloidal silica powder), to thicken up the mixture to around the consistency of peanut butter. Whether you're a seasoned In this video I show how to apply the gelcoat over a semi set layer of fiberglass and polyester resin ( of course its totalboat stuff ) Here I use a roller and a cheap chip brush. What color tints do they use to get to black? Is one of those colors blue? Sea ya Color matching gelcoat sounds like it would be as easy as matching a paint color at your local hardware store, but it is unfortunately an extremely difficult thing to do. This further assures that no uncatalyzed material is clinging to the sides of the pot. If unsure, ask the gelcoat manu Feb 7, 2010 · Match the existing gelcoat for repairs on your boat or other fiberglass objects. • NOTE: Exact Feb 2, 2024 · Spraying gelcoat is a great way to restore the appearance of your vessel. Prepare the surface: Before applying gelcoat, ensure the fiberglass surface is clean, dry, free of dust or debris, and free of any previous coatings or paint. We will discuss the different types of gelcoat, common issues that arise with gelcoat, and best practices for repairing and maintaining gelcoat on your boat. For the most consistent cure, pour the mixed gelcoat into a clean second container before brushing or spraying. com Correct application of gelcoat is critical to get the optimum performance from it. As mentioned above, you can add a wax to the mix (also about 2-3%) to avoid this effect and make the surface harden. 0 etc. This is Quick Tip 1https://vernese. The consistency of gel coat is very thick and is best applied with a spray gun. Gelcoat naturally fades Aug 5, 2012 · Gel coat to hardener ratio. WHEN ADDED TO POLYESTER RESIN/GELCOAT ON THE FINAL TO PRODUCE A SLICK, TACK-FREE, MORE EASILY SANDED SURFACE BEFORE PAINTING OR ADDING MORE POLYESTER RESIN/ GELCOAT. Stir the contents thoroughly using the included mixing stick. Use wax additive in your final coat to achieve a hard, sandable surface. How to Apply Gelcoat to Your Boat To maintain the look and sea-worthiness of your ship, Gelcoat is necessary. ecfibreglasssupplies. Always blend the resin well, so the final seal is smooth, without any patchy areas of unactivated gelcoat. I go over some of the standard practices that pros use to get excellent results with e Oct 13, 2014 · As I turned to the final step of matching the non skid deck pattern on my Laser (after putting the mast step repair cut out back) and figuring out how to match my faded gel coat color, I found these two videos. If so, mix approximately 1 part pigment to 20 parts gel coat. Sand any rough areas with 80 grit sandpaper until smooth. This will allow you to use the substance as a filler and will keep it in place during the cure. Gelcoats are based on a thermoset resin that requires an initiator and proper temperatures to cure thoroughly. Nov 11, 2025 · Always mix small batches—no more than one pint at a time—and stir thoroughly. Gel coat and fiberglass repair require personal contact with a variety of solvents, each having its own characteristics. THIS WAX IS NOT NEEDED WHEN AN ADDITIONAL LAYER OR POLYESTER RESIN/GELCOAT IS TO BE APPLIED ON TOP. In this tutorial, I'll show you how to make a Gel Coat Paste to fill in gouges on your boat. See full list on wikihow. Feb 9, 2017 · I've had good luck mixing white gel coat (with wax) to color match ice blue and off white. One of the six basic colors may match the gel coat. Bought from a fibreglass supplier at a boat jumble some years ago. In the featured video, TotalBoat ambassador Andy Miller shares his expert tips on gelcoat color matching. Very helpful. Learn how to mix and spray gelcoat with this step-by-step tutorial. Things You'll Need Paper cup Gelcoat MEKP hardener (methyl ethyl ketone Jan 5, 2011 · detailed preparation guide on how to apply gelcoat to your boat, rv, other surface. Generally mix 5oz batches. I mix the gelcoat in a small pill container you can buy at about any pharmacy. How to Prevent Gelcoat Cure Problems Store and mix gelcoat at room temperature (70–80°F). To make a resin or gel coat paste mix approximately equal volumes. Then, carefully add the catalyst and mix thoroughly again. Jul 7, 2021 · Does your gelcoat have air dry added to it? Gelcoat is usually pretty forgiving of a hot mix (within reason) so I'd be tempted to mix up a batch that's heavier on the catalyst and work fast. The ideal mixer speed will change as the volume of the drum decreases. In this guide, you will learn how to spray gelcoat on your boat like a pro. co. Gelcoat available with and without wax for boat building and repairs. DIRECTIONS FOR SURFACING WAX SURFACING WAX IS A LIQUID MIXTURE OF STYRENE AND PARAFFIN. As long as you don't put hardener in the gel coat you can wipe it off with a rag. uk this is a short video showing how to add pigment and catalyst to gelcoat - one of our most frequently asked questions. For example, how do they make black gel coat. Jul 23, 2012 · Gel coat is a resin that is pigmented with color. Whether you're dealing with chips, scratches, or dings, getting the color match right is crucial for a seamless repair. 3. For smaller repairs, we offer convenient and easy-to-use repair kits with everything you need to match colors. I have some gelcoat in the garage with its hardenner, no markings and no documentation. Aug 29, 2023 · Gelcoat Guides/FAQ's GEL COAT MIXING INSTRUCTIONS 1. Aug 21, 2010 · When I color matched the gelcoat on my old '85 and '93, I would simply add the liquid gelcoat to my mixing cup first. For a list of our pigment, go to https://fiberglasswarehouse. If you are buidling a boat, the gelcoat/catalyst should be mixed precisely. • NOTE: Exact Demonstration on how to add pigment to gel coat or resin. Your gelcoat and workshop temperature conditions should be between 18 ° C and 25 ° C before use. Since gelcoat also needs to be kept away from the air while it hardens, the tape plays a dual role. Measure catalyst with graduated mixing cups for accuracy. 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. But if a small repair it doesn't Feb 19, 2024 · Gelcoat Guides/FAQ's GEL COAT MIXING INSTRUCTIONS 1. Things You'll Need Paper cup Gelcoat MEKP hardener (methyl ethyl ketone Mixing gelcoat thoroughly with a catalyst hardener prior to application will ensure an even and sturdy finish. For larger projects, we have gallons and To thicken for glue joint gap filling add approximately 3 to 7 % by weight. This can produce a compound that is extremely hard and abrasion resistant. It is important to weigh the 2 components correctly and mix them properly to achieve the best possible result. THIS WAXY LAYER MUST BE REMOVED BY LIGHTLY Special colorants are designed to tint gelcoat to a desired color tone. How-To POLISH GELCOAT - Shine like NEW again - DIY Pro Level Results Restore Your Gel Coat like new Alumilite Explains: The difference between epoxy, polyurethane, and resin Here is the formula written out, remember products OTHER than resin require almost double the amount of MEKP to catalyze gelcoat, repair putty or fairing compound, for all your boat repairs or In this video, you'll learn how to spray gelcoat perfectly every time. How much catalyst do I need for polyester resin? How much hardener do you add to resin? What is the mix ratio for polyester resin? MEK Calculator (mekp catalyst ratio calculator) Try it for FREE! Feb 24, 2006 · Next, apply a piece of ordinary clear box tape below the area to receive the gelcoat. A word about your scale. com/2025/07/31/buy-me-a-coffee-%e2%98%95-or-%e2%98%95%e2%98%95/The key to QUALITY is CONSISTENCY! These tips will improve HOW TO APPLY GEL COAT Below you will find a detailed gel coat preparation guide on how to properly apply gel coat to your boat, RV or other surface. From www. . The accessories help you mix, apply, shape, and smooth the gelcoat. How to Use Spectrum Gelcoat Repair Kits Here is the step-by-step process for using a Spectrum gelcoat Jul 9, 2017 · So bought a quart of MarPro gelcoat with wax with the MEKP hardener included. Next, mix the gelcoat using a low shear mixer and allow the gelcoat to stand for at least 10 minutes to regain thixotropy. These are just the first two in the series. Metal flake is commonly used in clear gel coat for that “bass boat” look. Before we start the spraying process, it’s important to know why you would choose gel coat over paint for your boat so you don’t get confused. The pigments can be intermixed to achieve various shades. 5 g. Never use colorants that do not specifically state that they are designed for use in gelcoat. 5, 5. Resin to hardener ratio. A full drum requires a higher mixer speed to create a bottom-to-top rotation movement in the drum. For a broadcast application, use 3-4 quarts of fine particles, or 4-5 quarts of medium particles per 100 ft²; loose particles that are recovered after cure can be reused on your next application. Add the color slowly to the gel coat, and keep dabbing the colored gel coat onto the area you want to match to until you like the way it looks. May 7, 2013 · Mix gelcoat compound with hardener according to instructions, then pour the mixture into the Preval sprayer bottle. Take steps to cover and protect the rest of the boat before starting In this comprehensive tutorial, join Andy Miller from Boatworks Today as he shares his expertise on color-matching TotalBoat Gelcoat for flawless boat repairs. Gelcoat naturally fades Jun 20, 2012 · Re: Shades of Gray - Gel Coat That Is Hey tpenfield, "they" is my fiberglass supplier who was reported to be really good at matching gel coat colors. I mixed 4oz of gelcoat, added appropriate amount of catalyst, stirred with plastic spoon for 30 seconds, then continued to add a plastic spoonfull of cabosil, stirring after each added amount. I was having a tough time trying to thicken the gelcoat to a uniform paste using West System 406 Colloidal Silica. On this page we explain to you what the mixing ratios of these resins are and how to mix both components correctly! Mixing Polyester Resin, Topcoat and Gelcoat Polyester I finally started my repair to the keel which had some gelcoat damage. I realise it may be useless but want to mix a sample. Mixing gelcoat thoroughly with a catalyst hardener prior to application will ensure an even and sturdy finish. Enough Gel Coat should be added to a plastic mixing cup to make all repairs. It can be added up to 8% by weight of the resin. Video 1: Matching Your GELCOAT REPAIR 101 -A to Z How To Repair Chipped Gelcoat and How to Repair Gelcoat Scratches Easiest Way To Apply A Perfect Nonskid On Your Boat Using Alexseal Paint! TotalBoat ISO/NPG neutral and white marine gelcoats compatible with coloring agents. Application: Apply the mixed gelcoat to the damaged area using the applicator brush provided. In part 2 of the video series, mixing and application, we will show you how to prep the boat, mix the gelcoat and coloring, and applying it to the boat. Then I would squeeze a dab of coloring agent on to a scrap piece of carboard and just touch the the corner of my mixing stick in the brown and then mix into the white. They tell me that when they apply it, it runs out of the gouge, all over the place and is highly visible. Do they start with white, neutral, etc. There are two main approaches to color matching your gel coat - having a custom color mixed by professionals or taking the DIY Jun 20, 2012 · Re: Shades of Gray - Gel Coat That Is Hey tpenfield, "they" is my fiberglass supplier who was reported to be really good at matching gel coat colors. Oct 10, 2023 · Styrene Monomer Styrene monomer is added to polyester and vinyl ester resins or gelcoat to give it better flow while spraying with a gel coat spray gun or paint spray gun. Thin with a small amount of acetone to allow for an even spray. Pro Tip: Keep gelcoat at room temperature before use. Ensure that there are no streaks or clumps of pigment. Jul 25, 2025 · We recommend a mix ratio of 1:8 (1/4 pint of rubber particles per quart of gel coat) if you are using the direct mix application. Verify that the drum mixer is Sep 14, 2012 · Re-sand the area and clean thoroughly before reapplying gelcoat with the correct catalyst ratio and wax additive. I will attempt to estimate the volume of the two Jul 31, 2025 · Clean the area again and allow it to dry. 1 g (2. Read here how to easily do this. What I'm looking for is insight into the color mixing process. May 31, 2024 · Matching the color of gelcoat can be one of the most challenging parts of a boat repair, but with the right techniques and products, you can achieve professional results. Avoid contact with skin during mixing and spraying. To add styrene monomer, mix it thoroughly into the resin or gelcoat before the MEKP catalyst. With a wide range of pre-mixed colors, our chart will help you find the right color tint to flawlessly make your gelcoat repairs. Mixing ratios and mixing of Epoxy and Polyester Polyester and epoxy resins cure by mixing 2 components together. ) try to make a little depression in the center and add one drop per 2. As the drum level goes down over time, the mixer speed needs to be reduced to prevent splashing or over-mixing. Stir it throughly, making sure to use the flat of the stick to scrape it off of the plastic so it all gets mixed. Polyester Resin Catalyst Chart. This keeps the gelcoat in place while it hardens. Gelcoat can be made to exactly the right colour so you can make an invisible repair. That's because these days, some aftermarket companies make a solid white gel coat paste, but most of the time May 6, 2024 · Mix Thoroughly: To avoid any color inconsistencies, mix the pigment thoroughly with the gelcoat. The liquid gelcoat is used for building up thin layers to blend repairs. how to mix gelcoat gelcoathow to mix gelcoat gelcoatmore Gelcoat repair kits are a great way to get started with the process of fixing or repairing your gelcoat and getting a custom gelcoat match for your repair. When spraying, spray the gel coat on until it is approximately 18-20 mils (thousandths) thick. Let the drops form slowly and they will be the correct size and be consistent. Resin Catalyst Mixing Ratio. Oct 31, 2016 · Weigh out the Gelcoat to the nearest 0. In this part of our Gel Coat Repair series, we focus on matching gel coat colors to ensure your boat or any fiberglass part looks as good as new. The catalyst initiates the hardening reaction when mixed with the putty or gelcoat. We will demonstrate how to identify the correct color formula based on the existing paint or gelcoat, and how to mix the tinting pigments to achieve a precise match. The color wet is the color when dry. If this is the case, follow the instructions that came with the gel coat gun. It thins the resin or gel coat. Take pride in your work, and take the time to properly prepare a quality gelcoat that will last for years. A good practice is to pour the mixed gel coat from the mixing container into Peval Product container used for application. Apply a Test Patch: Apply a small amount of the colored gelcoat to a part of the boat that is less visible.