I am fixing to make up some fiberglass test panels to get my feet wet using gelcoat before I start up a project. Have a couple questions to try to ease the learning curve before I start.
I have a little exposure to fiberglass work, but nothing with gelcoat.
I have a little exposure to painting as well.
I have read and watched about every video I could find on the subject. A lot of questions have been answered by that but some questions still left uncovered.
1. Dump gun or HVLP with like a 2.4 tip? The final project will be a 18' top cap.
2. Current gelcoat on boat is a black base w/ a very small amount of red flake. It's probably 50% base with 50% flake over a given area. My question is this. When I shoot the black base, do I need to let that setup, cure and sand the orange peel before shooting the clear w/ flake? Or if I shoot the flake while the base is still wet/tacky will it hide/blend the orange peel of the base?
3. A little more advanced... The Ranger stripes... Toss up whether to leave them or remove them right now. Can you tape unwaxed gel once it starts to tack up without getting any blemishes?
I know it'd be easier to have a pro do it, but I really do enjoy the satisfaction of doing things like this myself.
Thanks for any insight.