Gel Coat Color Match

[minaret]

Originally Posted by Rhapsody-NS27

Looking at the Fiberlay website, I can see it could be easy to spend plenty of $$.

I'm looking forward to giving it a try when I work on my boat in the future.
Thanks for the info guys.

Couple hundred bucks should set you up doing your own Gelcoat repairs.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by unbusted67

Thanks guys for all the info, I am a little confused on step 8 and step 6. As per step 8: are you saying that even if we follow these steps the color match won't be good? I thought this was how you color match successfully?

Also, the Mylar trick: So what you are saying is that by putting the film of Mylar over the uncured gel coat and over the original gel coat you are getting a much more accurate comparison of what it will look like cured than you do if you are just looking at a dollop of gel coat on the hull?

Two more questions

Now that you've put all this effort in to color matching how do you transfer the match over to subsequent repair jobs? Do you just try to make the batch big enough that it will last the entire job or do you have to repeat the matching process every time you start a new job?

And finally: is there an issue with doing gel coat outside? You recommend doing it in the shade, but most paint manufacturers recommend painting indoors in a controlled environment.

Again thanks for all of the info.

You have many questions. I'll answer them later, just taking my morning break.

[frank_f]

We need to organize a cross-country bus trip to visit Minaret. After we've seen and talked to him, we can head to the east coast to see Maine Sail.

Just spit-balling ideas.

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Originally Posted by frank_f

We need to organize a cross-country bus trip to visit Minaret. After we've seen and talked to him, we can head to the east coast to see Maine Sail.

Just spit-balling ideas.

I'm in!

[minaret]

Bring it on! When you get here, I'll hand you each a Tyvek and grinder and put you in a death tent, and call it laminating school. Perfect!

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Originally Posted by minaret

Bring it on! When you get here, I'll hand you each a Tyvek and grinder and put you in a death tent, and call it laminating school. Perfect!

Doesn't sound too bad to me.

I'll call it my next career move.

[pbiJim]

Originally Posted by Jd1

I would be VERY interested in learning how to color match !

Me too.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by minaret

Bring it on! When you get here, I'll hand you each a Tyvek and grinder and put you in a death tent, and call it laminating school. Perfect!

Best be careful what ya wish for!!

[minaret]

Originally Posted by S/V_Surya

MEK is the hardener, yes??? I never found a source for the styrene monomer. I guess I should heve looked harder for it. Also, my gel coat sets up quickly and that is a problem with a sprayer. I am interesed in how you handle these situations. Since posting I did look for some youtube videos on get coat repair and sprayng but to date not much help.
Thanks

You can reduce your catalyst ratio down to 1%. Depending on whether you are using winter or summer gelcoat, and which catalyst you are using (+/- 45% MEKP), you should be getting 23 minutes at 72 F at 2%. You can get a graph with gel and cure times for different catalysts. Most of this stuff is far above the head of the average user (most of whom are totally unaware there are many different types of catalyst). Just reduce your catalyzation ratio and/or spray in cooler temps, ie morning or evening.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by unbusted67

Thanks guys for all the info, I am a little confused on step 8 and step 6. As per step 8: are you saying that even if we follow these steps the color match won't be good? I thought this was how you color match successfully?

That was a copy/paste and hence a little confusing when looking at blocks of text out of context.


Also, the Mylar trick: So what you are saying is that by putting the film of Mylar over the uncured gel coat and over the original gel coat you are getting a much more accurate comparison of what it will look like cured than you do if you are just looking at a dollop of gel coat on the hull?

Precisely.


Two more questions

Now that you've put all this effort in to color matching how do you transfer the match over to subsequent repair jobs? Do you just try to make the batch big enough that it will last the entire job or do you have to repeat the matching process every time you start a new job?

Depends on the boat. Often I have to do as many as three matches on a color which is theoretically all the same. Often the deck is built at a different time and with a different drum of gelcoat than the hull, this leads to slight color differences, for instance.

And finally: is there an issue with doing gel coat outside? You recommend doing it in the shade, but most paint manufacturers recommend painting indoors in a controlled environment.

Nope, outdoors is no problem. Other than the usual trouble with dust and bugs and rain and dew.

Again thanks for all of the info.

Anytime!

[minaret]

Originally Posted by Tim R.

I have a Caliber that is a few shades lighter than an IP and all the so called experts claim it is the most difficult color to match. I think the last time someone attempted they added yellow and purple to the base to get the beige but it came out with a green tint compared to the original.

I would also be interested in this valuable technique. I have successfully matched white before and it is pretty easy.

IP beige IS a bitch to match. It's pink as all hell. Takes lots of red. Very warm color. The purple caused the green tint, no cool colors in this match most likely. Use yellow oxide, a hint of black, bright yellow, and red.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by AbaftAndBaffled

I'd love to hear your technique. Almost went blind trying to match a baja 42 in its slip on a sunny day, anything that might help is welcome.

Sometimes you just gotta step away and take a break. You can lose all perspective. No second opinions allowed though, then you start to second guess yourself. Some colors are easier to match in the sun, some in the shade. Sunglasses can be misleading or occasionally helpful, just never finish a match with them on.