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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


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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.
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