Gelcoat

[Dave_H]

Gelcoat - that's a laugh and a half to apply

Been doing a bonnet today, what a messy job!

Anyone else had a go at this?

[adios]

I've recovered my 2500 M with a layer of 1 1/2 oz. mat and then gelcoat. I still have the rocker panels and the grill area to do. Lots of work. More work when I found the molds to be off by 7-8 mm at the cowl, and then the use of "goo" instead of glass to shim the drivers glass frame up an 1/8".

[Dave_H]

quote:
I've recovered my 2500 M with a layer of 1 1/2 oz. mat and then gelcoat. I still have the rocker panels and the grill area to do. Lots of work. More work when I found the molds to be off by 7-8 mm at the cowl, and then the use of "goo" instead of glass to shim the drivers glass frame up an 1/8".

Is it just me mixing it incorrectly, or does it seem to want to be "aired" to help it dry?

I've had this bonnet in the garage for a few nights after applying the gel and it only ever seems to set when the doors are open, or now when it's out in the garden.

Cheers,

Dave.

[adios]

Dave,
Put the bonnet outside in the sunlight for a day or so, if possible. It WILL cure.
Sounds like you mixed too "cold" a load. I normally work outside in 30 degree C, so curing is no problem and sometimes I add less MEK to the gelcoat to slow the reaction.
I have even seen the reaction come to a halt when the sun goes down and the temperature drops.
I'm guessing the weather was chilly and since you did this inside, you really needed to mix a "hot" load to get the normal curing to take place. Just move the bonnet outside into the sun and you'll be OK.
Please respond back to this thread to let me know how you're making out. =)
P.S. sorry, but the time difference makes for a bit of a lag in my responses.
John

[Dave_H]

Many thanks John,

I've checked it this morning and it's cured much better since being outside.

I guess it's a job for a sunny day (with beer in hand)

Cheers,

Dave.