Cloudy gelcoat


Cloudy gelcoat
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CATFabs
CATFabs
CATFabs
posted 12 Years Ago
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On a couple of projects i have noticed a cloudiness in the gelcoat..what causes this and how can i avoid it?


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Paul (Staff)
Paul (Staff)
Paul (Staff)
posted 12 Years Ago
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Cloudiness can be caused by a couple of factors;
  • Unclean Tools - Perhaps a obvious one but if the brushes or rollers are not completely clean (and dried of acetone) this can easily contaminate the gel.
  • High Humidity - Working in very high humidity can cause this problem the resin is hydroscopic and can absorb water out of the air, as can the resin if left to the open air before it's mixed, always ensure that the lids are securely in place, this is especially important for the hardener. 
  • Inaccurate resin-hardener ratio - This would have to be a way off to cause cloudiness, but make sure that it is weighed out as accurately as you can.
  • Coat too thick - This is probably the most likely of the causes, the gel should be applied as thinly and evenly as possible, all gels have a degree of cloudiness naturally but if applied in a very thin coat this should not be noticable. If the coat is too uneven this finish will appear 'streaky' with the brush or roller strokes so try to be as even as you can be. 


Paul Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical
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CATFabs
CATFabs
CATFabs
posted 12 Years Ago
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Group: Forum Members
Posts: 5, Visits: 19
Thanks.

I reckon im applying too thick a coat..the cloudiness is more apparent where it has sagged a bit into the recesses of the mould making it thicker.


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