Problem with flowcoat not drying

[David B]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

FWIW: HEre in Oz, the term "Flowcoat" refers to a specific product, and it is a thin polyester based resin designed to be used as paint, usually over fiberglass structures also based on polyester chemistry.

So, ragging on the OP for being unclear is not justified IMO.

Jim

Totally agree - I think it is just a language thing.

In Australia and New Zealand, we all know that Flocoat (or flow coat to use the generic term) is polyester resin with pigment (grey, white or beige normally). No thickener is added, just wax in styrene, to seal the surface and allow the resin to catalyse. It is just painted or sprayed on. Who knows what it is called in Europe or USA or UK, but it is the same thing.

As for the immediate problem, you could try wiping over with MEK (be sure to use goggles and gloves - it will kill your eyes if you get a splash in them). Otherwise it will eventually go off anyway. Funny thing (also with a Bonito 22 !), I had a similar problem, just going over the bare polyester hull inside locker areas I had opened up. Expected it to be hard within hours, but still tacky the next day. When we returned a couple of weeks later it was fine.

For a big job, it pays to try a small area to be sure of no issues. I have often thought what a mess it would be if a large area failed to go off.

[UNCIVILIZED]

The goof in terminology makes sense, given the above statements. Though applying polyester resin over top of epoxy does not. Never has, from my point of view.
The two just don't play well together via that type of application. It's akin to mixing Diesel & Gasoline --> -> "Bad Juju, Bwana". As Tarzan would say.

[Weyalan]

It is my understanding that flowcoat is not an epoxy, but a polyester resin base. As such, you will struggle to get flowcoat to go off if applied over epoxy.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

FWIW: HEre in Oz, the term "Flowcoat" refers to a specific product, and it is a thin polyester based resin designed to be used as paint, usually over fiberglass structures also based on polyester chemistry.

So, ragging on the OP for being unclear is not justified IMO.

Jim

The intent wasn't to rag on the OP. The issue was using a confusing term.

Flowcoat typically refers to placing a layer of resin (usually epoxy) over a surface and allowing it to self level (ie: a coat that is thick enough to flow out until it's level).

When the OP mentioned epoxy and never indicated that "flocoat" was referring to a brand name product, it was logical to assume, he was placing epoxy over epoxy, so the responses were based on the working properties of epoxy.

No harm no foul, but in the future, you will get better responses if you ask clear questions.