Flowcoat / Topcoat


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carboncactus
carboncactus
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Hello there,
I read this article and found something interesting:

http://www.talkaudio.co.uk/ipb/index.php/topic/215174-carbon-wrapping-how-to-guide-56k-death/

Can anyone explain the purpose of a topcoat / flowcoat?
Ive read that its just gelcoat with a wax in styrene solution added.
Every website says the same thing, something about it curing tack free.
Can anyone explain exactly the curing process, is it faster?
whats with the wax rising to the surface? I can't seem to get my head around what is actually happening.
Thanks

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Uploads/Images/db628ad5-e0e7-47b9-873a-3d84.png
FLD
FLD
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Flowcoat is a surfacing layer.  If you've used gelcoat you'll know it stays tacky for a vey long time which aids cloth lay when you are using a mould.  If you are applying it to a moulded surface you dont want / need the tackiness.  The wax additive stops this.  Does that make sense?
carboncactus
carboncactus
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I guess, but all gelcoats I've used have cured to a hard surface........

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Uploads/Images/db628ad5-e0e7-47b9-873a-3d84.png
Warren (Staff)
Warren (Staff)
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Polyester based gelcoats in most cases cure to a slight tack in contact with air. Against a mould surface they cure fully hard. 

Wax additives such as our Solution MW Wax Gelcoat Additive  remove the tack on curing because the wax rises to the surface and in effect blocks air contact thus full cure occurs

Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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