Thread: Question about gel coat.

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I'll add another voice to Jay's comments. Epoxy sealers and high quality primers are made to block bleed through.

I would also remind that before touching abrasives to fiberglass that a thorough cleaning with a good wax and grease remover, followed by a complete soap and water wash will prevent driving contaminants down into the glass.

The seam has to go but as Bob has said, do a good cleanup first to remove any residual mold release agent. I start with some liquid dish detergent like Dawn or Palmolive, wash it down 2-3 times. Then I use the wax and grease remover - and unless you are letting it sit for a few days, the water based stuff will evaporate better. If you are just going to clean it then go off to work on something else, I really prefer the solvent based W&G remover.

The gel gloss on a 'glass part has to be removed and a tooth for primer made. I tend to use a little finer wet and dry paper then many - 180 or 220, but it does provide a good surface. Then - I use epoxy primer, and the best that I have found is Southern Polyurethane. You really don't even need any sealer as it is fully sandable.

If you can find a Wescott's catalog, they do have a pretty good write up on finishing fiberglass

Thanks for the info guys!

I knew someone(several actually) on here would have the answer.

I'm looking forward to getting to the finish stage.

Mike