Application
Tooling gelcoat application should be controlled at 0.4 – 0.6 mm wet film thickness. As a guide, approximately 500 – 750 gm-2 of gelcoat (depending on pigment) will give the required thickness when evenly applied. If left for prolonged periods, tooling gelcoat will cure to an almost tack-free finish, but this has no adverse effect on the adhesion of the backing laminate.
Tooling gelcoat requires only the addition of catalyst to start the curing reaction. The recommended catalyst is Promox P211 TXF (or other equivalent catalyst), which should be added at 2% into the gelcoat. (Please consult our Technical Service Department if other catalysts are to be used).
Post Curing
For optimum life, a mould constructed using tooling gelcoat should be fully cured before being put into use. This can be achieved by placing the mould in an oven at 40 oC for 30 hours. If this is not practical, the mould should be left in warm conditions (20 oC) for 2 – 3 weeks prior to use, as high residual styrene content my encourage stick ups.
Where a mould is likely to experience elevated temperatures during cycling (eg due to high exotherm temperatures within backing laminates), it should be post cured at a temperature in excess of the cycling temperature. Contact our Technical Service department for advice.
Storage
Tooling gelcoat should be stored in its original container and out of direct sunlight. It is recommended that the storage temperature should be less than 20 oC where practical, but should not exceed 30 oC. Depending on storage and the container size the gelcoat can take up to 5 days to achieve the correct application temperature. Ideally, containers should only be opened immediately prior to use. Ideally, containers should be opened only immediately prior to use.
Packaging
Tooling gelcoat is supplied in 25 kg drums.
