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Author	Topic:   Applying Gel Coat Resin Over Epoxy
fishyarns	posted 12-19-2010 08:55 PM ET (US)         I just finished a three-layer [WEST System] epoxy barrier coat to cover bad crazing. I'm hoping to [apply] gel [coat resin] over it, instead of using urethane or epoxy paint. I want to have the thickness of the gel coat for beach landing and hull scratches. West says it [is] okay to [apply gel coat resin] over [their] product. [I am] not sure if just washing the blush is enough. Or, [do] I need to sand before spraying? Has anyone seen the long-term effect of [application of gel coat resin] over epoxy? Has the crazing come back?
Jeff	posted 12-19-2010 09:36 PM ET (US)             Unless you grind the area of crazing all the way back to the fiberglass matte, the crazing will return no matter what is applied over it. Also, epoxy barrier coat is a base layer for protecting gel coat when storing a vessel in the water for extended periods of time. I would not recommend gel coating over epoxy barrier coat. A good bottom paint is all I would recommend putting over an epoxy barrier coating
jimh	posted 12-19-2010 10:37 PM ET (US)             WEST System literature gives detailed instructions on preparing an epoxy surface to a top coat of gel coat resin. Follow their instructions and you should not have any problems with the gel coat resin failing to adhere to the epoxy surface.
jimh	posted 12-19-2010 10:40 PM ET (US)             I have made several repairs with epoxy using WEST System epoxy, then applied polyester resin gel coat as a top coat. I have not had any problems with the gel coat resin losing adhesion to the epoxy. Some of the repairs have been in place for years.
fishyarns	posted 12-20-2010 09:42 AM ET (US)             I will plan on putting a barrier coat on the bottom over the new gelcoat. I am hoping The epoxy barrier on the sides will slow the crazing down. I couldn't take the old gel off without damageing the mat layer and didn't want to reglass everything. thanks for your ideas.
Blackduck	posted 12-20-2010 10:18 AM ET (US)             If you want to be sure the gel coat will bond to the epoxy, the only way to go is with a "tie coat", something like System Three, SB -112. Washing with soap and water only works sometimes, despite what West claims.
ConB	posted 12-20-2010 11:39 AM ET (US)             What model and how old a boat are we talking about? Unless it's a real collectable, I'd paint it. Con
modenacart	posted 12-20-2010 04:00 PM ET (US)             If you want the gel coat to look good, regel coating is going to be a lot more work then you most likely want to do.
cc378	posted 12-21-2010 07:18 AM ET (US)          I used West Systems to repair some 4' x 2" gashes in my 1972 11' Whaler. I followed West Systems instructions for prep and applied Spectrum Gellcoat. It has been in place for 10 years with no issues.
fishyarns	posted 12-21-2010 07:33 AM ET (US)             the 13 footer is a 1964 sport. I have already done more than i wanted to. I have a guy who will spray the gelcoat for a couple hundred and I will sand it only above the water line. I would consider selling the boat with an 01 yamaha 40, 4 stroke. Probably just finish the project and use it.
modenacart	posted 12-21-2010 04:11 PM ET (US)             If you want it to look good, you will have many, many, many days of sanding.
modenacart	posted 12-21-2010 04:12 PM ET (US)             If the surface is not prep properly, it will look wavy and you will see every low spot after polishing. This will be true of any polished finish.

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