Gel coat over WEST Epoxy???

[Bryan A.]

I know most people say not to put gelcoat over epoxy but I know it has been tried and discussed a few times in the past on this board.
For those that have tried it, what are the pro and cons, tricks or advice?
I have some holes from a bow rail to fill and want to apply gelcoat over the top to match what is there for now. Thanks in advance.

[Bryan A.]

Anyone?
I have been reading through old posts and found alot of references to extra steps but not the actual steps.
The West System web site just say wash thoroughly with water and scothcbrite and wet sand to 320. Is this what others are doing? Same procedure as getting rid of Amine Blush.

[Trayder]

yes, you can do it no problem. Just rough up the expoy and clean with soap and water to get the amine blush off and you are good to go. 1/2 my boat is gel coat over epoxy and I have had zero issues in 4 years

[oldbluesplayer]

ditto to what Trayder said - but I want to add one thing - the west system epoxy does a partial, near full, cure, quickly, but when I had the same question as you, and read thru the west system book, they said to wait several days for a full cure to be acheived - so I waited 4 days on the West epoxy, before trying to cover with a polyester based resin or gelcoat.

This seems to have worked well, though I only have 8 months on my work, but no issues seen, and don't expect any from what Trayder, and others, have reported.

Bill

[Bryan A.]

Thanks for the replies.
Were you guys spraying or brushing the gelcoat. I have been playing with filling small areas with a brush-on approach and sand afterward but I may try spraying next. Thanks for the help, makes me feel alot better about putting it on.

[Trayder]

I have brushed, rolled, sprayed, spread gelcoat etc. try them all they have different advantages depending on application need(s)