Gelcoat application


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kornpetpani
kornpetpani
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I've visited a jet-ski factory and I saw that they spray a gelcoat(polyester) on tool surface before  laminating the first layer.

Does anyone know why they need to gelcoat at first ? I thought gelcoat only use for mold making purpose. 

and how is a different between this gelcoat and gelcoat which is used to make a mold ?

Please kindly to help. Discuss
carboncactus
carboncactus
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If you don't apply the gelcoat first, you will see the fibreglass, which is not very attractive.

Tooling gelcoat is harder and sometimes has a higher Tg.

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Uploads/Images/db628ad5-e0e7-47b9-873a-3d84.png
kornpetpani
kornpetpani
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The gelcoat I saw is transparent, I think because they need to show a CF feature on jet ski's surface.

I asked some staff at the factory "why do you need to apply that ?" then they said  "I've no idea " 
carboncactus
carboncactus
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In that case, its because the surface will be full of voids otherwise.

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Uploads/Images/db628ad5-e0e7-47b9-873a-3d84.png
kornpetpani
kornpetpani
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If it just to protect a surface purpose, could I use normal epoxy resin instead of  gel coat. 

Please help to advice.
Warren (Staff)
Warren (Staff)
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It is also for cosmetic reasons. Probably a similar product to our GC50 or other polyester based clear gelcoats.   The surface wouldnt necessarily be full of voids if laminated properly.

Could also be done to provide UV protection and some scrape protection for the carbon.  A nice layer of gelcoat can have scratches sanded out where as with say an infused carbon panel, the layer of resin over the carbon is very thin and easy to wear through to.

Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
kornpetpani
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Thank you very big for your kindness help.

How about your product CG50(polyester based gelcoat), is it able to work with epoxy resin ?

Please be noted that we use epoxy resin for lamination. (Polyester based gelcoat VS Epoxy resin)
wojtepanik
wojtepanik
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Hi, yes it is compatible with epoxy, but in my work, I don't use any topcoat/gelcoat I use only epoxy and then clear coat it.

~~~Everytime I hear sound of demoulding part I have eargasm~~~
Edited 12 Years Ago by wojtepanik
Matthieu Libeert
Matthieu Libeert
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Just like Warren said it gives you the possiblity to have some errors and fix them if needed...wouldn't be possible, or very difficult, with only CF. It does as well make the part UV-stable with a good gelcoat.
Keep in mind that it will add some extra weight...and normally if you use CF you aim for the lowest weight... 
So thats why I don't use a gelcoat, just like Wojtepanik... 
Just aim for a perfect result straight out of the mould Wink

Matthieu Libeert
Founder MAT2 Composites X Sports
website:
www.mat2composites.com




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