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Author Topic:   Spectrum Gelcoat Working Temps

whalerajm posted 02-29-2004 04:01 PM ET (US)
Anyone aware of any temperature range restrictions for applying Spectrum Gelcoat Paste. The labelling doesn't mention any, but I have to assume there may be a recommended minimum temp (as with epoxies and ployeurothane sealants).
specktrout posted 02-29-2004 11:00 PM ET (US)
I have used the spectrum touch-up kit a couple of times on my montauk. I have had no trouble except the time I tried to do it in the winter on a day that it was probably in the low 50's. On that day, it did not seem to harden properly, and I ended up scraping it out and redoing it on a warmer day. I would wait until it was at least in the 60's.
SMLWhaler posted 03-01-2004 09:30 AM ET (US)
The Spectrum coat in quart containers says to spray it when the tempeature is between 60 and 80 degrees and do not spray in direct sunlight. I sprayed the hull of my 13' in direct sun however the temperature was about 70 or so. When I sprayed the interior blue the temperature in my garage was between 55-65. The exterior kicked really fast and the interior was a lot slower but both cured really well.
I had some problems with a patch where I used the paste. I screwed this one up myself. I tried to thin the paste down with acetone and by doing so I did some thing to it. I added the catylst as per the instructions but it never really cured. Ended up removing it with acetone and starting over. Hope this helps.
rtk posted 03-03-2004 03:04 PM ET (US)
Hello- new to the board- great site! Don't forget when working with gelcoat or any other product that is temperature sensitive that even though the air temp may be 60 degrees the hull may be cooler than that depending on the temperature of the night/day before. The hull of the boat will not warm up as quickly as the air. If you need to work with these products in "iffy" temperatures a little heat will help cure epoxies, resins and gelcoat. I used to use a heat lamp to warm the surface and then apply the product. Then put the heat lamp back on until the product is cured. Use only enough heat to warm the area. Most of the time the heat from a regular light bulb in the vicinity of the repair was sufficient to get the gelcoat or resin to "kick". Too much heat will result in the product curing too fast and too hot and that is just as bad as too cold.
Rich

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Author	Topic: Spectrum Gelcoat Working Temps
whalerajm	posted 02-29-2004 04:01 PM ET (US) Anyone aware of any temperature range restrictions for applying Spectrum Gelcoat Paste. The labelling doesn't mention any, but I have to assume there may be a recommended minimum temp (as with epoxies and ployeurothane sealants).
specktrout	posted 02-29-2004 11:00 PM ET (US) I have used the spectrum touch-up kit a couple of times on my montauk. I have had no trouble except the time I tried to do it in the winter on a day that it was probably in the low 50's. On that day, it did not seem to harden properly, and I ended up scraping it out and redoing it on a warmer day. I would wait until it was at least in the 60's.
SMLWhaler	posted 03-01-2004 09:30 AM ET (US) The Spectrum coat in quart containers says to spray it when the tempeature is between 60 and 80 degrees and do not spray in direct sunlight. I sprayed the hull of my 13' in direct sun however the temperature was about 70 or so. When I sprayed the interior blue the temperature in my garage was between 55-65. The exterior kicked really fast and the interior was a lot slower but both cured really well. I had some problems with a patch where I used the paste. I screwed this one up myself. I tried to thin the paste down with acetone and by doing so I did some thing to it. I added the catylst as per the instructions but it never really cured. Ended up removing it with acetone and starting over. Hope this helps.
rtk	posted 03-03-2004 03:04 PM ET (US) Hello- new to the board- great site! Don't forget when working with gelcoat or any other product that is temperature sensitive that even though the air temp may be 60 degrees the hull may be cooler than that depending on the temperature of the night/day before. The hull of the boat will not warm up as quickly as the air. If you need to work with these products in "iffy" temperatures a little heat will help cure epoxies, resins and gelcoat. I used to use a heat lamp to warm the surface and then apply the product. Then put the heat lamp back on until the product is cured. Use only enough heat to warm the area. Most of the time the heat from a regular light bulb in the vicinity of the repair was sufficient to get the gelcoat or resin to "kick". Too much heat will result in the product curing too fast and too hot and that is just as bad as too cold. Rich