Gel Coat Query

[NIC SURRY]

I have some fibreglass rally type seats that I want to use with loose slip over type padding insert.I've removed the covers and the outer surface is gell coat but the inner surface is fibre glass.I need advice as to putting brushed on gel coat would this stick to this surface and if so what prep should I use ensure a good bond and a reasonable finish or should I get it sprayed on.Basically I want the inner and outer surfaces to be gel coat.Any advice would be appreciated Nic

[Matt]

Degrease, & sand/grind it back with a DA sander to provide a good surface for the gel to bond to.

[NIC SURRY]

Originally Posted by Matt

Degrease, & sand/grind it back with a DA sander to provide a good surface for the gel to bond to.

Thanks Mat,can you put multiple coats of gell or should I try and cover in one,if multiple should I let it dry/set/go off between coats ?

[Hydrostream]

Originally Posted by NIC SURRY

Thanks Mat,can you put multiple coats of gell or should I try and cover in one,if multiple should I let it dry/set/go off between coats ?

It should cover in one shot, gel is a lot thicker than paint, thin it slightly with acetone, use a low pressure.
What gun you using and what size tip?
If you want to recoat, let the gel set to a jelly state and shoot again.

remember to add wax or it wont cure properly!

It will be a heavy orange peel texture, are you after a shiny smooth finish. If so it will need sanding and buffing. So allow extra thickness for this especially on edges and corners, where you tend to sand heavier/ remove more material.

Alan

[NIC SURRY]

Originally Posted by Hydrostream

It should cover in one shot, gel is a lot thicker than paint, thin it slightly with acetone, use a low pressure.
What gun you using and what size tip?
If you want to recoat, let the gel set to a jelly state and shoot again.

remember to add wax or it wont cure properly!

It will be a heavy orange peel texture, are you after a shiny smooth finish. If so it will need sanding and buffing. So allow extra thickness for this especially on edges and corners, where you tend to sand heavier/ remove more material.

Alan

Thanks for info,If I did it myself it would be had painted,if not I would try and get my local body shop to do it ,is there a particular Gun tip to use as they are a vehicle paint shop? Cheers Nic

[Hydrostream]

Originally Posted by NIC SURRY

Thanks for info,If I did it myself it would be had painted,if not I would try and get my local body shop to do it ,is there a particular Gun tip to use as they are a vehicle paint shop? Cheers Nic

The biggest tip they have!
On small fine stuff I use a HVLP gun with a 1.8mm tip, on larger areas or where need a lot of gel, I use a gel gun and a 4.2mm tip

If you do it yourself, roll on with a poly roller. 4 coats and skim the last with a squeegee, it makes it flatter for sanding.

Alan

[NIC SURRY]

Originally Posted by Hydrostream

The biggest tip they have!
On small fine stuff I use a HVLP gun with a 1.8mm tip, on larger areas or where need a lot of gel, I use a gel gun and a 4.2mm tip

If you do it yourself, roll on with a poly roller. 4 coats and skim the last with a squeegee, it makes it flatter for sanding.

Alan

Thanks