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Isophthalic Gelcoats create a durable, shiny finish, and are available with & without wax additive.
Gelcoat with wax makes the final gelcoat layer cure to a hard sandable finish, with no wax paper or special tools needed.
Gelcoat without wax additive is ideal if you're laying up a mold for a new boat or a fiberglass part where you're laying down the gelcoat first, then applying more layers of resin and fiberglass on top. In this case, you don't want the gelcoat to cure completely.
Available in Neutral and White. Neutral gelcoat makes bold colors when coloring agents are added. White gelcoat becomes more opaque with coloring agents.
MEKP is included as the catalyst. To thin, use styrene (sold separately).
White is available in Quart and Gallon sizes, with and without wax, Neutral is available in Quart size, with and without wax. Wax additive also available for use with gelcoat without wax.
| Amount of Gelcoat w/o Wax | Wax Additive Required |
|---|---|
| 1 ounce | 20 drops |
| 1 pint (16 oz.) | 1/4 ounce |
| 1 quart (32 oz.) | 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce |
| 1 gallon | 4 ounces |
The gelcoat without wax is used for layups when you want the initial layer of gelcoat to remain tacky to the touch while you're laying reinforcement plies on top in order to create a strong chemical bond in the laminate. If you use unwaxed gelcoat as the finish coating, you must spray PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) over it or use wax paper or some other means to effect a proper cure.
The gelcoat with wax is used for an air dry post-applied application. The wax additive rises to the surface, making a film that creates an air barrier, allowing the final gelcoat layer to cure properly.
IMPORTANT - Do not Apply Gelcoat Directly on TotalFair:
Gelcoat should not be applied directly over TotalBoat TotalFair epoxy fairing compound or the gelcoat will not cure properly. Instead, apply TotalBoat 2-Part Epoxy Primer or TotalBoat TotalProtect Epoxy Barrier Coat Primer over TotalFair, before applying Gelcoat. Primers are sold separately.MIXING DIRECTIONSs: NOTE: The higher the percentage of catalyst, the faster the gelcoat will dry. Air and surface temperature will also affect the drying of the gelcoat. The colder the air temperature, the higher the percentage of catalyst you should use.
TotalBoat Gelcoat requires MEKP (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide) catalyst to cure. As with all polyester resin, rate and degree of cure are a function of catalyst concentration and of temperature. Resin and work area should be between 70°F and 95°F to ensure satisfactory results.
At 77°F, TotalBoat Gelcoat requires the addition of 2% MEKP catalyst, by volume: 14-16 drops per ounce, or 2 teaspoons per pint, for a working time of 10-15 minutes. The amount of catalyst may be adjusted in small, incremental amounts, either upward or downward, to account for temperature differences (more for cooler temperatures, and less for warmer temperatures). The acceptable amount of MEKP is 1-3%. Do not use more or less catalyst than this or you may get an improper cure, with laminates exhibiting moderate to severe post cure after demolding. Once cured, the gelcoat can be dewaxed, wet sanded, and buffed.
Tip
If using a wooden mixing stick, place the stick in the resin before adding catalyst so the wood doesn't absorb the catalyst.
Directions for Wax Additive (sold separately)
Wax additive is a mixture of paraffin and styrene. When adding it to gelcoat, you must also add the MEKP catalyst. Wax additive is added to the gelcoat on the final layer of a wet layup to create a tack-free surface that sands easily before applying the finish coating. Wax additive is not needed when additional layers or gelcoat are applied on top. Add 4 oz. of Surface Seal Wax Additive per gallon (20 drops per ounce) of TotalBoat Gelcoat Without Wax. Note that in temperatures below 70°F, the paraffin can solidify in the container. Place the container in the sun or in front of a lamp to liquefy. USE CAUTION - WAX ADDITIVE IS FLAMMABLE!
Wax additive is available in a 4 oz. bottle. Refer to the table in the Tech Specs section for how much wax additive to add to gelcoat without wax. Too much wax additive will result in fish eye and other undesirable results.
WARNING: This product can
expose you to chemicals including styrene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
DANGER! Flammable liquid and vapor. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. Harmful if inhaled. May cause respiratory irritation. Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled. May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection. Wash with water thoroughly after handling. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.