See full version: Applying gel coat with a paint roller
To apply it I found that a quick wet coat followed immediately with a finish coat works best. Let the wet coat sit just long enough to mix up the next batch before applying the finish coat. It took about a gallon and a half to do the deck below. more
2. I'd like to apply the gel coat with a paint roller. I've read that you want around 15 to 25 mils of thickness. Should I use a 3/4 nap roller? Has anyone done this before? Did it work good?
make sure the gellcoat is waxed.
Your on the right track. I did exactly what you describe. It does leave a texture, and it is a flat finish, but it works great. I used cheap dollar store deep nap rollers. (for textured walls)
A new box of wax paper with 75 square feet is almost enough, had to run to the store for a second box. I left the wax paper in place until the following evening (30ish hours after final coat) when I removed it, the gelcoat was mostly cured. It was difficult to apply smoothly, some areas had wrinkles, if there was air in the wrinkle it was still tacky. The sides were still kind of wet (sticks to your finger when you touch it, as opposed to a clean finger tacky feel with the first two coats). I pulled off the wax paper, mostly it removed nicely. In the places where the gelcoat was still wet it was messy. I used the same wax paper just turned it over and reapplied to the areas that were not completely cured. Another 24 hours later the gelcoat had completely set. But is is not smooth. I had anticipated some sanding because I used a brush, but this is far from just some brush marks. Applying the wax paper to such a larger area (with a liberal application of profanity) resulted in a very uneven final surface. here
While the bottom is poor, the edges and sides are really bad, It looks like a first attempt to apply mud on drywall.
I just finished applying gelcoat to my boat. Results were less than wonderful. here
First thing in the morning, I began mixing and applying the waxed gelcoat as the final coat, fore to aft stokes. At 7 drops to the ounce I had only used about half of the catalyst from the first quart, so I continued using the same catalyst with the second quart. Really Really need to spend more then a dollar per brush next time! You throw them away at the end, but all those loose bristles are a major pain.
Doing the math it came out that one quart of gelcoat would be a bit more then one coat on my 14 foot sunfish hull. Experience with rolling paint and quick setup time once harder is added, drove me to choose a brush. I was worried about the amount of product the roller would absorb combined with curing quicker then I could full apply one coat. I choose to use a brush mixing and applying gelcoat in 4 ounce batches. While the product did not give directions for mixing less then quart size batches, multiple online reference indicated 7 to 12 drops per ounce at 70 degrees F gave good results.
I prepped the boat, sanding, patching cracks (fiberglass), filling (bondao), sanding and finishing up with a acetone wash, before starting to apply the gelcoat in a heated, vented, humidity controlled garage. more
Step 2: Apply Primer and Gelcoat
here
The application process actually begins with surface preparation, moves to primer application and then application of the gelcoat. This will be a weekend type project, since each coat applied must be allowed to dry or flash before applying a new coat. Here are the preparation and application steps:
Roll out two complete coats of primer, allowing time to fully tack up or flash between coats. After second coat of primer has dried completely, roll out a first coat of the Gelcoat. Allow Gelcoat to flash and apply second, third and fourth coats. here
The following safety precautions should be adhered to:
Application Process
If available, you can use a spray gelcoat. This method is much easier and faster to apply to the base of your boat and you will have fewer areas that will need to be sanded down. Make sure to tape of areas that you do not want to spray. The spray solution is a little less brittle and more durable. Either way, you will still be able to have a good seal.
The first thing you will need to do before applying gelcoat on your boat is to make sure your boat is completely cleaned. If there is dirt or other grime on your boat when you put your coating of gelcoat on, it will not create a strong seal, which is important to the protection on your boat.
Making sure that your gelcoat is applied evenly on the paintbrush, go over the base of the boat, beginning on one side and working your way over. Make sure that you give your boat a thick layer as a thin layer may not give a complete seal. [links]
You will need to add several layers of the gelcoat to make sure you have a thick and durable surface. Make sure each coat dries between each layer.
If you own a boat, you may know that it is important to give your boat a gelcoat cover to help protect it from leaks and cracks. Fortunately, with the right tools most anyone can conduct this process, allowing you to save money from hiring a professional to do it. Gelcoat is a resin that will protect any fiberglass structure with a strong shield. This resin will help protect water from seeping in even if your boat scrapes against something causing gouges or nicks. Though the gelcoat will help prevent your boat from further damage, it is important to remember that you may still need to make repairs to the boat and not just rely on the gelcoat. more