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 Is Catalyst for Gelcoat the same for Fiberglass?		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/02/2009 :  13:27:55  Show Profile  Visit Steve Blackburn's Homepage
Anyone know if the catalyst used for Fiberglass can be used for Gelcoat? I couldn't find the catalyst bottle for my Gelcoat but found one in my fiberglass kit. Are they interchangable?
Steve Blackburn, Calgary, AB
C250WB - 1999 - Hull 396
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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2009 :  14:24:30  Show Profile  Visit delliottg's Homepage
Steve, I don't believe they're the same.
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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2009 :  14:45:31  Show Profile
I very seriously doubt epoxy and gelcoat catalysts are the same stuff. Polyester resin (now used in most boats) catalyst might be compatible with gelcoat.
Edited by - Dave Bristle on 05/02/2009 14:47:53
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Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2009 :  16:20:19  Show Profile  Visit Steve Blackburn's Homepage
Well it has hardened so I guess its working. Dave why do you say epoxy? The fiberglass kit I have is normal resin is it not?

Tried to google this and didn't find anything.

The hardener says LIQUID HARDENER (MEKP).

"MEKP is composed of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, a catalyst, added to polyester and vinyl resins.

When MEKP is mixed with the resin, the resulting chemical reaction causes heat to build up and cure or harden the resin."

OK I think I`m good, says that Polyester / Vinylester Gelcoats need MEKP hardener. Just lucky I guess.
Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 05/02/2009 16:25:54
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Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2009 :  19:37:35  Show Profile  Visit Turk's Homepage
Frank butler told me to go out and by fiberglass hardener for the gelcoat he sent me. He said any would do.
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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2009 :  21:01:36  Show Profile
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Steve Blackburn</i>
<br />Dave why do you say epoxy? The fiberglass kit I have is normal resin is it not?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">You didn't say, and there are two basic types. Many people do fiberglass repairs with epoxy resin and glass cloth, so I just suggested the distinction, which I still believe involves different hardeners. Some substantially more expensive boats are built with epoxy resin--most these days are built with the cheaper (and less strong) polyester resin.
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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts
Response Posted - 05/05/2009 :  07:35:48  Show Profile
If you just go down to the hardware store and buy fiberglass resin it will most likely be polyester resin. West Systems product is epoxy resin and is a much stronger and harder solution. Polyester resin may chip or break under stress. Epoxy resin is better suited for those situations.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.