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.

Applying Gel Coat

There are 2 major ways of applying gel coat. Because it is a 2 part system. The polyester resin must be mixed with its catalyst which starts the hardening process. You then have approximately 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 touch up work. High production shops should use the injection system below since it eliminates the 30 minute curing time and save on cleanup costs. At SGI we have helped solve this issue by introducing Pot Liners which aid in quick cleanup and disposable 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 bottom of page )
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.

How To Spot Repair	Trouble Shooting		COMPLETE 2 Part System by Binks See Here

"Hot Pot System"
GRAVITY FEED
CUP ON TOP

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.

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 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, (Reduced Pressure) guns can also be used. HVLP guns may work in lowering overspray and can be used if speed is not as important. Below is some suggestions.

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, (Reduced Pressure) guns can also be used. HVLP guns are not recommended for production but for a small job or if you don't mind taking your time, HVLP does work in lowering overspray. Below is some suggestions. Gel coat guns should be separate from your finishing guns. Gel coat is hard on your spray guns

Conventional Yes, also we carry Binks and DeVilibiss
	Appox - $100
	Best for Low Cost
	SGI Top Choice. Great gun for use with Gel Coat. 2.5 Touch up, 3.0 Full Coverage tip sets available. For the price you cannot find better! Video
	Industry Standard
	An Industry Standard : USA Made Lifetime Warranty Gel Coat Gun J100C 2.2 Touch up or 2.8 Full Coveragetip set. 2.8 recommended. Preferred over Binks Gel Gun
	Our Favorite
	SGW Top Recommendation for Hi-End Industrial Why? Best Modern Technology Lower Overspray Less Material Use, Same Coverage. Reduced Pressure Saves Material 2.5 Touchup or Smaller Full Coverage tip set Customer: "Please send me what info you have on the units you have in stock. We do boat repair and auto refinishing as well as building boats. We shot a gel that is thined and a not thined at times. Later... "Mike, the Gun is great! I need some more cups..."
HVLP
	Great low cost Alternative HVLP gun 2.5mm Great HVLP gun for spraying Gel!

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 line if desired. GUN ONLY
	COMPLETE 2 Part System by Binks

One of the finest systems on the market by a name you trust - Binks Industrial