Spraying clear gel

[rutleep]

Does anyone have any tips on spraying clear gel? Specifically, how do I make it thin enough to shoot through the gun, yet have the MEKP not set up in the gun? Also, what do I clean the gun with after using the gel and hardener in the gun? Thanks for any response.

[BASSCAT7]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by rutleep &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Does anyone have any tips on spraying clear gel? Specifically, how do I make it thin enough to shoot through the gun, yet have the MEKP not set up in the gun? Also, what do I clean the gun with after using the gel and hardener in the gun? Thanks for any response.</td></tr></table>

What are you spraying ? Clear gel over old gelcoat ?

[rutleep]

I have repaired several chips/gouges in the metalflake. The areas are done, but the flake feels a little rough to the touch and any sanding on those areas will sand the color off of the flake, so I wanted to spray clear gel over the areas and feather it out with the original clear so that it feels smooth.

[BASSCAT7]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by rutleep &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I have repaired several chips/gouges in the metalflake. The areas are done, but the flake feels a little rough to the touch and any sanding on those areas will sand the color off of the flake, so I wanted to spray clear gel over the areas and feather it out with the original clear so that it feels smooth. </td></tr></table>

Make sure the clear gel is actually gone. A lot of times oxidation will feel rough to the touch. It is not common for the clear gel to wear all the way down to where the flakes can be felt.

If you need to spray new gel, you'll need to prep the area and sand it anyway before spraying the gel.


If after light sanding you do need to spray new clear gel :

For spraying on top of existing gelcoat, first make sure the surface is prepped well, cleaned well with acetone to remove any contaminants.
Before spraying, wipe the surface down with Styrene.

Duratec Hi-Gloss Additive is used in a 50/50 mixture with clear gelcoat. Use regular gel, no wax additives .

The Duratec/gel mix will cure in air and leave a smooth , no orange peel surface as compared to straight gel.

If it still needs to be thinned you can use the Duratec thinner at no more than
10 % .

Duratec Polyester Hi-Gloss Additive (904-001 Clear)
Duratec Thinner (39LAC-1)

[omcforever]

Use the right nozzle/tip also...I use a 2.5-3 mm tip

[rutleep]

Thanks guys. I don't have the Duratec stuff. Is that available over the counter somewhere?

[totalbeverage]

http://www.fibreglast.com/prod...ratec

[dmoore58]

I've seen a couple marine clear coats in a spray can, are those any good for dime or quarter size repairs on top deck over the polyflake ? If I bought a pint or so of regular clear in the can, could it be applied with a small brush and still get that glass smooth clear finish or will the brush strokes be visible ?

[pappastratos]

Duratec Hi-Gloss Additive is used in a 50/50 mixture with clear gelcoat. Use regular gel, no wax additives .

The Duratec/gel mix will cure in air and leave a smooth , no orange peel surface as compared to straight gel.

Wish I knew that last time I did gelcoat work ! I did it the old school way !!