Confused

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TonyW	T TonyW posted 7 Years Ago HOT Topic Details
T Group: Forum Members Posts: 12, Visits: 34	This might be a stupid question but, when I read the application instructions for the uni mould system it says I need to leave the gel coat to dry and I assume the same for the coupling coat before you apply the 4 layers of tooling coat however, when you watch the carbon bonnet video you apply the coupling coat when the gel coat dries to a tack. Which is the best way to go to achieve the strongest results? Chere's Tony
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Warren (Staff)	Warren (Staff) posted 7 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Administrators Posts: 2.5K, Visits: 8.5K	The "open time" for bonding the coupling coat to the gel is quite wide. Depending on MEKP level, temperature and thickness, you could be able to apply the coupling coat after only a few hours. However guard against too early application as the two layers can react with each other causing surface alligatoring if you get it wrong. Typically we say leave it overnight or up to around 24 hours and you should have no problems getting a good bond. Realistically you can get away with longer but longer you leave it, the lower the bond strength. Warren Penalver Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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TonyW	T TonyW posted 7 Years Ago HOT Post Details
T Group: Forum Members Posts: 12, Visits: 34	+x Warren (Staff) - 1/24/2018 5:42:39 PM The "open time" for bonding the coupling coat to the gel is quite wide. Depending on MEKP level, temperature and thickness, you could be able to apply the coupling coat after only a few hours. However guard against too early application as the two layers can react with each other causing surface alligatoring if you get it wrong. Typically we say leave it overnight or up to around 24 hours and you should have no problems getting a good bond. Realistically you can get away with longer but longer you leave it, the lower the bond strength. Thank you Warren. I'l be starting making the mould tomorrow night after work so fingers crossed I hope to have the finished mould and released this weekend.
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TonyW	T TonyW posted 7 Years Ago HOT Post Details
T Group: Forum Members Posts: 12, Visits: 34	+x TonyW - 1/24/2018 5:49:01 PM +x Warren (Staff) - 1/24/2018 5:42:39 PM The "open time" for bonding the coupling coat to the gel is quite wide. Depending on MEKP level, temperature and thickness, you could be able to apply the coupling coat after only a few hours. However guard against too early application as the two layers can react with each other causing surface alligatoring if you get it wrong. Typically we say leave it overnight or up to around 24 hours and you should have no problems getting a good bond. Realistically you can get away with longer but longer you leave it, the lower the bond strength. Thank you Warren. I'l be starting making the mould tomorrow night after work so fingers crossed I hope to have the finished mould and released this weekend. Am I right that the coupling coat needs to set before the tooling coat?
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Warren (Staff)	Warren (Staff) posted 7 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Administrators Posts: 2.5K, Visits: 8.5K	Yes you want the coupling coat to be cured to at least the firm but tacky stage. Warren Penalver Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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