Here it is boys, something I like to think as the last step in getting a perfect part!

After stepping into the clearcoating/painting business I can tell you, with or without a paint both it is a total PITA. I cant stand clear coating a part after de moulding, then the clearcoat gets wavy or a bug in it. then i san and polish, still not perfect.

I'm starting to learn this real fast; the key to a perfect part, is taking a mould from a perfect part and polishing it there. I plan to make some really perfect molds, then try this.

 



 

The site says you can brush it on, we for my size parts that would be really connivent. Now matter what the surface of the part will be perfect but if your paint strokes on the back are to thick you may see your weave get a little wobbly.

When making parts smaller than ".5 meter" I think my cup gun is a bit much? think an air brush system would work?

 



If Brute Force Isn''''t working your not using enough...

well you can guess the weight by how much you measure out for your part, then subtract whatever you don't use.

Is there anyone on this forum that has experience using this? especially brushing it on?

If I must spray it on how many coats should I do? any examples or ideas apreciated?

 

Will it stick to pva??



If Brute Force Isn''''t working your not using enough...

Hi Guys,

Brushing this gelcoat if fine for smaller parts, you will need approximately 200-300 grams per/sqm for a thin even coat, using a clean brush simply coat it down like you would any standard polyester gel-coat keeping the surface as even as possible. Spraying will require the same quantity for coverage, this should be applied in 1 coat, you will need to build the coat up to a thickness where the gel begins to self level and stop at that point; If the coat is too thin is will appear to have an 'orange-peel' effect if it is too thick it will run.

Brushing the gelcoat it not ideal for larger flatter infused parts (like a bonnet) as no matter how hard you try the gel will not be perfectly level so the brush-strokes will show through, this is not as much of a problem for wet-lay components as the carbon 'floats' a little more and the effect is not as obvious. Small or detailed parts are fine to brush and as long as you make a careful application you should not see the brush-stroke.

This gelcoat will release from any release agent, PVA, wax, Easylease etc. It's also really useful if you want to make an epoxy part from a polyester mould as it will release well from polyester (unlike epoxy)

I look forward to seeing how you get on with it, keep us posted! 

Paul Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical