Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Clear gel coat, Vs Spraying Clear Laquer Vs Epoxy covering Vs Polishing raw finish. Which finishing method is best?

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic21163.aspx

By ripsnort6 - 4/29/2016 4:58:48 PM

Hi guys First post here and just in the process of information gathering before i take the plunge so any help will greatly be appreciated

I plan on making some small moulds of interior car parts that i can repeat (the usual kind of pieces bits of trim etc) I dont want to skin the parts as that is a permanent change and want to revert back if need be.  Im looking for a nice high gloss shiny finish but not sure which is the best way to get it. Is there a preferred method depending on the application? I guess i will be doing the lay up method without a vacuum at the moment.

Also if i wanted to tint the finish would i be best adding this to a clear laquer and spraying or adding it to a clear gel coat from the get go

Many Thanks
By Fasta - 5/5/2016 1:57:04 PM

You could also tint the Duratec coat too. 

It is epoxy compatible. I always scotchbrite the coating once cured before following up with the laminate. Not sure if this is necessary??  It's just regular polyester gelcoats cure with a tacky surface which bonds well with the laminate but the Duratec cures with tack free surface so I abrade it just to be sure.