Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Gelcoat / Clear Coat CFRP - Cloudy White Problem

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic33716.aspx

By cfrpbhs - 9/7/2019 11:46:04 AM

Hello, 
I am currently producing an infused complex carbon fiber part with a clear gelcoat CRYSTIC GELCOAT 253PA by Scott Bader. After some testing we concluded that multiple very thin passes need to be applied to avoid the gelcoat from getting cloudy. This being said we have to rely on the gelcoat operators expertise and the part in particular is extremely difficult due to deep cavities. I was thinking about infusing the part without a gelcoat and then applying an automotive clear coat on the part as a solution.

What are your thoughts on this? Any suggestions for an in mould applicable clear gelcoat that would have good cohesion with epoxy and not get cloudy when exposed to the sun?
What does the automotive industry do to avoid this?

Thank you
By MarkMK - 9/12/2019 8:02:32 AM

If you do opt to use something like the GC50 in-mould gel coat, then semi-permanent release agent is all that would need to get reliable releases. As Warren said, application by brush wouldn't work well if processing parts via infusion, as the hardened surface of the coating would end up too uneven to provide a good cosmetic finish