Gelcoat repair advice needed

[Brian]

I'm getting ready to do some gelcoat repair and looking for a few answers:
1) Whats best to thin gelcoat with and percentage of reduction.
2) Whats the best hardner and how much to use (per pint)
3) What should the air preasure be at the gun.

Thanks.

[mr twister]

HEY MY MAN.,
YOU THIN YOUR GEL WITH METHOL ETHOL KEYTONE. IT TAKES VERY LITTLE. DO NOT USE ACETONE. JUST HAVE TO PLAY WITH IT. AS FOR THE CATALYST. DEPENDS ON THE WEATHER. SUNLIGHT OR NOT. USING PATCHAID SPEEDS UP THE PROCESS BY 90 %. . JUST HAVE TO PLAY WITH IT TO SEE WHAT WORKS BEST . I GO ABOUT 20 CC'S PER QT. ON THE CAT. I USE DURATECH HIGH GLOSS ADDITIVE FOR BIGGER JOBS. LIL BUFF....IF ANY.!

LATER,
STEVE WESTERMAN
WESTERMAN'S FIBERGLASS

[Brian]

Thanks, Mr.
Why not use acetone? just curious.

[beko21]

Brian, are you the guy that has a mirage with a 300 on it?

[mr twister]

for many years i have used acetone to thin with. but these days i'm learning better technology. the methol ethel keytone is cheap. and goes a long ways. i was told lately by the duratech peoplethat it traps air bubbles under the paint. then they erupt like mini volcanoes....especially under the clears. yesterday is over and tomorrow is near ....! i try and remember what i learned today.

have a good un',
steve westerman
westerman's fiberglass

[Brian]

beko21, the Mirage with the 300 on it is a buddy of mine. Very nice rig. I have a 2001 with a Bridgeport on it.

mr twister, would you use the same air preasure, or close to it at the gun as you would with paint? Also, after sanding, what would be the best machining compound to use?

Thanks, Brian

[beko21]

Brian, as you may know, I'm in Canton, I would like to come up sometime and see both of your rigs, I'm curious as to how mine is going to sit with the 300 on it, Kevin

[mr twister]

BRIAN,
AIR PRESSURE...? I USE A TOUCH UP TO A CUP GUN TO A POT RIG WHEN BUILDING A BOAT. JUST PLAY WITH IT. IF YOU USE ALL THE RIGHT STUFF THERES LIL' TO SAND AN BUFF CEPT WHERE EDGES MEET. USING THE HIGH GLOSS ADDITIVE FROM DURATECH IS THE KEY. I USE AQUA BUFF 2000. THERE IS NOTHING BETTER IN THE MARINE WORLD. MY COST IS ABOUT $60.00 FOR A 2 GAL TUB THAT LAST ME ABOUT A YEAR.

FEEL FREE TO CALL.....
STEVE WESTERMAN
WESTERMAN'S FIBERGLASS
CLEBURNE , TEXAS
817 645-0088

[Brian]

Thanks for all the info mr twister, wish me luck on my repair job.

beko21, were you at the rumble? He had it down there. There are a few pics of it in the rumble article here on S&F.