Gelcoat Catalyst

[pelham939]

during my build i have done some running repairs and used gelcoat to get the colour built up but its still soft - i think i should have used a catalyst to finish the setting process - searched other threads and they confirm this - where do i get it from any glass fibre ditributor/supplier or is there a special?

thanks guys

[TINKA]

Have you used any catalyst at all because like you suspect gel is a two part compound. If you are bored and want to pop down I still have some left over from when I was building mine. :thumb: :thumb: HTH

[Purple AK]

Your kit manufacturer would be the obvious source :thumb: Failing that any GRP supplier or Boat Yard

[pelham939]

thanks guys - Tinka not used any at all the only reason i need it is her indoors held a door tonight and got it onher feshly painted nails - so i need some - and as luck would have it i sometimes have to go to British Gypsum based in EAST LEAKE - how spooky is that

thanks for the offer Tinka and the reply Purple AK

regards Ian

[TheUnixKid]

I definitely remember seeing catalyst in Pilgrim's parts catalogue if that helps at all.

John

[malcolmbuck]

The people at CFS may be able to help you - loads of stuff to do with fibreglassing. Quick search revealed lots of different type of catalysts.


http://www.cfsnet.co.uk/acatalog/index.html

Cheers,
Malc

[kurrmet]

Originally Posted by pelham939

during my build i have done some running repairs and used gelcoat to get the colour built up but its still soft - i think i should have used a catalyst to finish the setting process - searched other threads and they confirm this - where do i get it from any glass fibre ditributor/supplier or is there a special?

thanks guys

Hi pelham

Yes you should have used a catalyst and the current gel coat that is on the car must be removed and the area cleaned with acetone.

Once you have gone this then you can mix up some new resin and catalyst and the correct pigment and this then can be used to repair any damge that you need to.

the reason that the orginal gelcoat never went off was that GRP is a thermo-setting plastic and need a catalyst to start the reaction.

I have learnt this lesson during my apprentiship and got very sticky and smelly removing the old gelcoat.

[pelham939]

Thanks guys for the tips sort o fworked out that at this time of year it should have gone off by now also worked out from previous threads that i needed acetone to remove the old stuff - i'll get the old off first and then start again - but never mind onwards and upwards

Ian

[tonym]

Originally Posted by kurrmet

I have learnt this lesson during my apprentiship and got very sticky and smelly removing the old gelcoat.

Sometimes Iain, you make it too easy for me

[kurrmet]

Originally Posted by tonym

Sometimes Iain, you make it too easy for me

I did wonder how quickly you would reply to his, and you have not let me down