Custom/Hybrid Gelcoat and epoxy layups?

[Brian_216]

I guess I'll be the first to post in here. There are so many mixed reviews on gelcoat and an epoxy layup. We have been searching and have only found one company, Scott Bader inc. that makes a polyester gelcoat specifically designed to bond with epoxy. Link to product here:
http://www.contender.it/joomla/images/documenti/2011/Epoxy/Scott_Bader_Polyester_epoxy_gelcoat.pdf

It's roughly $5.50 per lb and that's close to 260.00 for their minimum quantity of 5 gallons. The only issue is they do not stock the product in the USA. Lead times will be a pain. I'm curious to see what the rest of you are doing?

The other thought was pigmented epoxy brushed into the mold to give a starting surface. However there is no uv protection and it will still need to be painted.

 

[WFO Speedracer]

Give these guys a ring............

http://www.compositesworld.com/products/gel-coat-for-epoxy-infusion

 

[Brian_216]

Compositesone is the distributor for that in our area. No luck getting a call back from them.

 

[harris414]

use an epoxy as the surface coat and then just apply an aliphatic based polyurethane designed for epoxy to do just that, its easy to apply and tough... I would think you could spray a couple layers in mold/epoxy surface/layup. I have no experience doing that though as im working mostly with prepreg

there are high end epoxies that are UV stabilized and easier to wetsand and polish if needed, used by surf board designers
all the time

 

[ridetrp]

Compositesone is the distributor for that in our area. No luck getting a call back from them.

the 2 regional reps for comp1 just left my shop. message me a part number or product code ill see what i can do

 

[sjetrider]

i use Composites one all the time. I can tell you the reps I have dealt with could care less unless your buying the stuff by the drums and thousands of tons of glass.

 

[TOBY]

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...sg=AFQjCNHz8eui9jUzrPO7jbnf93b0tIDXBw&cad=rja

try this place...

 

[harris414]

i use Composites one all the time. I can tell you the reps I have dealt with could care less unless your buying the stuff by the drums and thousands of tons of glass.

I must be in a good spot, my rep has helped so much... talked to me all the time when i was first starting

 

[Spooky]

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/materials/epoxy-gelcoat-35779.html

 

[623pwr]

I was reading this site today, it seems like a good product, but it will take some time for it to cure. It explains why you have to use thin layers and will probably takes some practice.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EPOXY-RESIN-WHITE-GEL-COAT-REPAIR-COATING-1-5-GAL-KIT-/310182490000

 

[harris414]

Polymer composites has great stuff, I have used several things on small custom projects. Call and talk to jerold (I think)
something like that, he knows his stuff... and can be a good help.

I get most my stuff through an aerospace plant and comp1 now. Most suppliers like comp1 can get what you need and its usually much cheaper I have found.

 

[Brian_216]

So far using automotive epoxy primer over the PVA and allowing 24 hours before the layup works great. We are wetting the first layer out and then adding a film of thickened epoxy on one side of the material, and putting that face down in the mold. The finish is coming out very nice. Although I would rather be using gel coat- this is coming out nearly perfect with no fail areas.