Return-Path: Received: from rook.innercite.com ([158.222.5.8]) by ns1.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.3 release 223 ID# 0-64832U3500L350S0V35) with ESMTP id com for ; Tue, 31 Oct 2000 16:26:37 -0500 Received: from colwell (host-56-99.dialup.innercite.com [158.222.56.99]) by rook.innercite.com (8.9.3/8.9.3) with SMTP id NAA07011 for ; Tue, 31 Oct 2000 13:33:50 -0800 Message-ID: <00ab01c04382$67a749c0$6e38de9e@colwell> From: "Steve & Claudette Colwell" To: References: <7d.c56aacd.273081c8@aol.com> Subject: Re: Removing Gelcoat Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2000 13:33:56 -0800 X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com Mime-Version: 1.0 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> Clean the Gel Coated parts to remove any mold release wax before sanding. Sand with 40 grit to provide a good "tooth" for epoxy, clean again and lay up or apply epoxy sealant the same as any epoxy surface. No need to remove any more Gel Coat than necessary for a roughed up surface prior to a lay up, 220 or finer for paint. Consider yourself luckey you don't have a Glassair which has gelcoat on most surfaces. Gel Coat is a pigmented polyester resin used as an inexpensive finish for most fiberglass boats, its heavy too. The only reason I have heard it is used on nonstructural Lancair parts (some cowlings and header tanks) is lower cost wet layup with polyester or maybe vinylester resin. My experience with gelcoat comes from 18 years as a Sailboat Dealer and a few years as a factory rep for Hobie Cat. Back then I was called "epoxy man" for my preference of the superior properties of that resin on critical repairs. Steve >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>