Greetings,

 I am looking  to cover some epoxy (West System) work.   I considered

several paints but finally opted to us Hi-Bond Gelcoat with Wax.  I mixed a
pint of the gelcoat and rolled it on the surfaces that I had cleaned and
sanded.

 The gelcoat has been curing for the last 30 hours.   It is still tacky

and if I touch the surface, I get some white on my hand.  I heated the
space before and during with a space heater.  The space is currently 72
degrees.  I was at 79 degrees when I started applying the gelcoat.

  I need to put 2-3 more coats on the surface.



Can I put the next coat on without sanding the current layer ?

I have read that perhaps using PVA or liquid car wax painted on will

block the air and get a final cure.

I am working in the boat I am living aboard so I am hesitant to use the

PVA until I can open the boat up more than I can now.  For the gelcoat I
opened a port and had a fan blow the fumes out of the boat.

  Thanks - Henry

Hi Henry,

All "top coating" polyester resins have wax in them. The wax provides
a film which keeps air off of the surface. I would guess that you put
on gel coat that was made to spray into a mould, and then be covered
by successive layers of cloth and mat. All of those layers, except
the last one would not have wax in them. The top/last layer would
have wax in it. (Speaking only of polyester resin.) Been there, done
that - accidentally - then got the education..... You can buy
polyester resins, including gelcoat, with or without wax. And you can
buy just the wax and add it yourself. Most stores carry only the wax
versions, but from wholesalers, you can get either.

Polyester resin does not stick particularly well to epoxy, but I have
seen where it was put on epoxy, and as long as it is not hit or
otherwise abused, stayed put.

Take care and be safe.

Wayne
Celestial
Albin 43 Sundeck
Near Panama City, FL

Gougeon Brothers (WEST epoxy) did a study on gel coat adhesion to epoxy.
They found good results IF:

1. The resin/hardener ratio was spot on, no excess resin or hardener in
   the mix.
2. The epoxy was left to cure for at least a month.
3. The cured epoxy was washed with soap and water then lightly sanded to
   give it some "tooth".

Capt'n Pauley (Paul Esterle)
Freelance Boating Writer
www.thevirtualboatyard.com
www.youtube.com/user/captnpauley
www.lulu.com/spotlight/pesterle