Gel coat makes fiberglass reinforced products attractive. Gel Coat is a 2 part surface coating system of pigmented polyester resin (the basic ingredient of gel coat) which "gels" against the mold surface and cures with the structural laminate. Gel coat reproduces the mold surface, imparts color, and protects the reinforcing fibers from external elements. While it is simply a reinforced plastic, surfaces treated with gel coat is often the main part of the structure visible to the eye. Therefore, resins, fillers, pigments and promoters are formulated to develop a high quality surface appearance while its 2 part structure creates a durable and saleable seal.
There are 2 major ways of applying gel coat. Because it is a 2 part system. The polyester resin must be mixed with its catalyist which starts the hardening process. You then have approximlatey 30 minutes before the product sets.
"Hot Pot" System This is the least expensive way to shoot gel coat. However, you have to finish each batch within approximately 30 minutes. In this system, a measured amount of catalyst is stirred by hand directly into a container (pressure pot) which is then sprayed from a pressure feed tank within the allowable gel time period. This is currently the most accurate system but uses a large quantity of clean-up solvent and unforeseen delays can lead to lost hoses and a difficult cleaning job. This system is therefore recommended for home user, small shops and touchup work. High production shops should use the injection system below since it illiminates the 30 minute curing time and save on cleanup costs. At TP we have helped solve this issue by introducing Pot Liners which aid in quick cleanup and disposale with minimal waste. In addition we have hose solvent saver system which save 70% or more of your solvents and voc monitoring on cleanup.
Catalyst Injection System (see below) High production Gel coat applications today use the catalyst injection system. It permits uninterrupted spraying. The drawback is that this system is more costly. In this system, the liquid catalyst is injected into the atomizing air supply by an adjustable venturi device with a flow meter. The ball settings of the catalyst flow meter are translatable into cubic centimeters or grams per minute so the catalyst feed can be matched to the measured weight output of Gel coat per minute and ratio established. As the output of the gun changes, e.g., change of tip or change of pump pressure, the catalyst delivery rate must also be adjusted to maintain the proper ratio and assure the scheduled performance of the gel coat in gel and cure time.
"Hot Pot System"
We have some great systems for you. You can use gravity feed spray gun for ease of use and cleanup. They will work on repair and small jobs.
Use our Disposable Cups for easy cleanup!
Any gravity feed spray gun with a 2.0 - 3.5 spray nozzle will work.
We generally suggest 2.5-3.0 for a good build, however you can use a 2.2 -2.3 fairly well if you thin your gel coat mixture. We recommend conventional over HVLP due to the difficulty of spraying thick material like gel coat. However, RP guns can also be used. HVLP guns are not recommended but for a very slow job they may work in lowering overspray. Below is some suggestions.
Gel coat guns should be seperate from your finishing guns. Gel coat is hard on your spray guns
Conventional Yes, also we carry Binks and DeVilibiss
Under $100
TP Top Choice. Great gun for use with Gel Coat. 2.5, 3.0 tip sets available. 1 liter aluminum cup.
Over $100
A Top of the line USA Gel Coat Gun J100C 2.2 or 2.8 tip set. 2.8 recommended.
Modern Technology Reduced Pressure Saves Material 2.5 tip set
HVLP
Great low cost HVLP gun 2.5
TP Favorite for Gel Great low cost HVLP gun 2.3
TP Favorite for Gel Super Fine Finish Touch Up Gun 2.2 Tip set
You can use pressure feed guns with a pressure pot for more capacity. Look at our disposable liners for easy cleanup!!!
See Pressure Pots Below
Any gravity feed spray gun with a 2.0 - 3.5 spray nozzle will work.
We generally suggest 2.5-3.0 for a good build, however you can use a 2.2 -2.3 fairly well if you thin your gel coat mixture. We recommend conventional over HVLP due to the difficulty of spraying thick material like gel coat. However, RP guns can also be used. HVLP guns are not recommended but for a very slow job they may work in lowering overspray. Below is some suggestions.
Gel coat guns should be seperate from your finishing guns. Gel coat is hard on your spray guns
Conventional Yes, also we carry Binks and DeVilibiss
Under $100
High quality gun for use with Gel Coat.2.0, 2.5, 3.0 tip sets available.
For touch up - A little smaller tip but very high quality for price point 2.0
Over $100
Our favorite Gel Coat Gun L100C 2.2 or 2.8 tip set. 2.2 or 2.8 recommended.
Low CFM
Terrific saves material with new reduced pressure design. Asturo K1 popular due to lower air requirements 6CFM. A favorite gel coat gun 2.2 tip set.
HVLP
Asturo R Series Great low cost HVLP gun 2.5
L300H 2.2 tip set
Yes we carry Binks and DeVilibiss
Use our Disposable Liners for easy cleanup!
"Hot Pot System"
Any gravity feed spray gun with a 2.0 - 3.5 spray nozzle will work.
We generally suggest 2.5-3.0 for a good build, however you can use a 2.2 -2.3 fairly well if you thin your gel coat mixture. We recommend conventional over HVLP due to the difficulty of spraying thick material like gel coat. However, RP guns can also be used. HVLP guns are not recommended but for a very slow job they may work in lowering overspray. Below is some suggestions.
Gel coat guns should be seperate from your finishing guns. Gel coat is hard on your spray guns
Best Gel Coat Hot Pot System Period!!!
51-600HP Hi-Pressure Pressure Pot system with full open mouth and RIDGID fully formed disposible cup liners. Purchase in bulk for approx. $1.00 each.
Fully formed liners stand on their own. Solvent proof and have a full open mouth with large lips for no spillage.
Devilbiss 2 Quart KBII System with soft bag liners.
1 Liter Hi-Pressure Pot for Higher Viscosity Materials
Less Expensive Stainless Steel Pressure Pot - Can be used with the KB System Soft Bag Liners
Click Here for Larger List (Part of our Pressure Pot Wizard Setup System)
Continuous 2 part Catalyst Injection System
One of the finest systems on the market by a name you trust - Binks Industrial
2 Part components are mixed at the gun tip for continuous spray. No premixing and no time restraints. Add any pressure pot above to this system. 2nd catylist may be hooked up to a 2nd pressure if desired.
