I've just finnished sanding down the "Gel coat" I applied to my Kayak.What is the chemical you apply last?Back home we call it "Clear coat" but nobody at the big home improvement stores can help me.Also does anyone know where I can buy a new inboard type hand pump?Or should I remove the pump,plug the hole and use a hand held type pump if needed.Thanks and have fun.
Final coating on Kayak?
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Is this a wood or fiberglass kayak, and did you use epoxy or polyester resin?
For epoxy, you can use spar varnish as a clear finish that will protect the epoxy from UV radiation, or on the bottom you can mix epoxy with graphite filler for a tough and slick finish that protects the epoxy from UV, and is easy to repair.
For epoxy, you can use spar varnish as a clear finish that will protect the epoxy from UV radiation, or on the bottom you can mix epoxy with graphite filler for a tough and slick finish that protects the epoxy from UV, and is easy to repair.
One tip with the graphite is to add a small amount of acetone to the mix, about 10%. This will allow it to brush out a bit better. Also it seems to like to have bubbles in it, so keep an eye on the finish and touch up with a foam brush before you get a full cure to get rid of the pin-holes from the bubbles.
GunsmithRob
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If it's gelcoated and you properly added wax to the gelcoat or used a prewaxed finishing gelcoat so that it cures properly, then you shouldn't need to overcoat it with anything. If it's layed up right then all you have to do is buff it out and maybe wax it with car or fiberglass boat wax (which you can get at West Marine).
