HOLY CRAP...this GUN shoots GELCOAT Like a BOSS!

In this video, I shoot Gelcoat through my brand new 3M Accuspray HGP Pressure assisted cup gun. This sort of work is the main reason why I purchased this gun. The pressure cup makes shooting heavy material a breeze and the cleanup and even more a breeze.
I used a basic budget marine gel coat with no wax that was not reduced at all to prep a hatch receiver and lid mold.
-WEBSITE- backyardboatworks.com
Blog post & More.
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-INSTAGRAM- / backyard_boatworks
I post daily on Instagram

[@lawrencetrapani5623]

Thanks for your tutorial, gelcoat is definitely a learning curve, and with chemicals and weather, adjustments are always changing! Good video

[@lukehousand8336]

Planning out my skiff build, I was at the point designing the bow and stern hatches. This was a great video for planning my hatches and top cap!

[@jeremythompson0306]

Thanks man.!!! I’m watching this again.!

[@mattphilips3166]

Just bought a not pressure assisted accuspray to do the transom cap on a customers boat and it was a complete failure resulting in hours of wet sanding. Glad I saw this video to confirm my results, I’ll give the pressure assist a try.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Yeah the non pressure version won’t move gelcoat.

[@user-xc5ft7xz6s]

Glad I found you. Have a 44' hawaiian canoe to gelcoat and trying to learn how to go about it. Appreciate your video.

[@raul_gonzalez305]

Very informative, thank you

[@joeburdzinski75]

I like your video very helpful to m boating project, need to get a spray gun just you demonstrated. Thank you keep making more videos like this one.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Thanks.

[@williamgove8975]

Good info. From DE learning to spray gel coat and do gel coat repairs

[@juliansmith6696]

Awesome video really informative

[@princetonaudio]

thank you!!

[@wesleywillard]

Great video man 🤙🏼

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Appreciate it!

[@robertgangi5041]

Well done!

[@jonnooney7102]

Game changer for me along with the addition of some duratec to every batch.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Yes I’ve been using mine quite a bit lately with the small 6oz cup for doing mobile gelcoat repairs with Duratec

[@cassadyschaffer9047]

Cool video, Working on boats in the USVI 🤙

[@rickhambric9737]

The liners at harbor freight work great in these guns. Perfect size for smaller jobs like hatches and a lot cheaper than the 3m liners!!!!

[@BackyardBoatworks]

I did see those at HF a few weeks ago and wanted to try them. I've been buying a knockoff version from Amazon that is $49 for 50 lids and liners but also comes with a hard cup. amazon.com/shop/petrol.burn The 3M lids and liners are stupid priced. I started only using this gun for heavy primers and gelcoat. I find that it doesn't work that well for topcoats and clearcoats. I went back to my SATAJET 90-2 and converted the cup to use the PPS lids and liners. I am actually thinking of getting the Colad cups because I am tired of buying new liners.

[@matthewsellers82]

@@BackyardBoatworks Other than the price you rarely hear any complaints about SATA. on the other hand I've had some good results with the Accuspray finishing. Frankie Bushong (kzbin.info/door/JdkuQk6m936-evd4aRbf4g) uses the Accuspray on some BIG boat projects and is well worth a watch

[@rmckayne]

Hello , for thicker materials , like primer surfacer . I always use 1.8 and have very good results, with the regular accuspray. Even gelcoat. Your tip is the 1.4 . Probably that is a point .

[@BackyardBoatworks]

The red tip is 1.8. Orange tip is 1.4. You can’t shoot non reduced gelcoat with a regular Accuspray for large jobs.

[@patsmith9387]

great video.....

[@williamstauffer4738]

Good stuff brother

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Thanks.

[@MRScrubNasty]

if you are going to spray Gelcoat out of mold (over a repair, or anywhere other than in the boat production process) you need to thin with patchaid. You can spray gelcoat without pressure assist if you just thin with fastpatch or duratech. Great advice on NEVER using acetone. You are very right, it will fuck the job all up. If you are going to thin with chemical, use styrene. it is the main base of the gelcoat anyways but patch aid is the best bet for sure, it also makes the gelcoat lay down much better. I can not believe how much the FGCI patch booster works even at 5:1 but my god does it STINK! It is so strong! I would suggest getting spectrum color's fast patch aid if you want a patch booster that isnt very strong chemical smell. Duratech is another good patch booster but it is more expensive then the gelcoat itself. Good video. I spray gelcoat everyday almost out of a non pressure assisted HVLP made by the gelcoater with a 2.5mm tip with 0 issues. I like the HGP accuspray, i just hate buying the expensive liners and tips. Another good video though man. Another Very important thing about using any PPS system, whether it is 3M, Devilbiss, The cheap Amazon ones, or even the new ones at Harbor Freight you HAVE to remove the micron filter from the lid. It will mess you up due to the high viscosity of the gelcoat and primers. You did mention that in the video. You definitely know your shit man.

[@1975Per]

Hmmm, remove the filter before spraying? The gelcoat is to thick for it? I did spray one cup no problem (with the filter at least).

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Yes the filter may cause the gun to jam if the gel starts to kick. The mesh filter in the cap is too fine to flow gelcoat although it may work reduced personally I just remove the filter.

[@cassadyschaffer9047]

You both know your shit...thank you so much

[@punziracing]

Great info here!! Thank you!

[@kairauch7320]

what percent duratec to thin ?

[@catherineromeo4891]

Thanks Russ for sharing your knowledge I’m almost done w/project on a 93 regulator my 1st attempt removed console cut deck out , fuel tank& stringers All your videos are X helpful I’d like to try a deck hatch in bow for anchor locker & want to put a live well in leaning post I can’t afford cost of 1 so I’ll try banging it out. Any suggestions on either would be great. Thanks again great job on videos yours are the best man keep m coming 👍👍

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Thanks for the kind words. The cheapest way to make a leaning post is to use foam or Coosa and then glass over the top of it on both sides. You can hold foam together with screws and hot glue typically till you start to get glass on it. Let me know if you have any questions. You should join my Facebook group and join the discussion with a bunch of great people. Link in the description on my newer videos

[@DelSolUnlimited]

I’m surprised you had to disassemble a Regulator Boat….. They’re rated as a top of the line built boat. I tournament fished a 23’ Regulator for many years from NC coast to Louisiana…. SKA..

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Anything built in the early 90s most likely had wood stringers and transoms. It doesn’t matter how well the boat was built, if water gets into the wood it’s going to fail.

[@Blue-Water-Spear]

You can purchase styrene to add into the gelcoat to raise the viscosity but am not 100% on the percentage you can add before its starts to become over saturated. Worth a try though.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Yes styrene works good as well. Thank for watching the vid.

[@jimbefit3073]

Thank you. ANYONE can post a video, even with HUA syndrome. Therefore, an informative video from an expert IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!! Thank You!

[@LindellAdventures]

Good video buddy!

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Thanks.

[@allconstruction1]

Nice job Amigo

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Thanks

[@Whalermansteve84]

I get all my cup liners from fiberglass coatings here in St. Petersburg for $2.50 and throw the filter out. Not worth reusing , and I cleaned my accuspray gun with lacquer thinner while the air hose is still attached. Cleans is fully .. hoping to have my whaler finished in a few weeks

[@BackyardBoatworks]

You can get knock off versions on Amazon for a lot cheaper than the 3M version. I high pressure spray bottle with acetone works good for blasting paint out of the tips also

[@Chacha-pe4sc]

Gonna be doing a dark blue and gonna change it to white would like to know what you would do worried but the blue when wet sanding burn ing thu

[@cherr979]

Very nice video and the info was Great !! How do you figure out how thick your gel coat is ?? Could or should you layer on the gelcoat ? I'm thinking of create a plug model and spraying the gel coat . Have you don that yet ?? Keep working the videos !!!

[@BackyardBoatworks]

You have to get a Mil Thickness gauge to check the depth of the gelcoat. Yes layering coats of gelcoat is suggested to get heavier coats depending on what you are building.

[@Markb8608]

Good man

[@Srnichols]

Thank you for your helpful information. I am curious what size air compressor you are using, specifically cpm. I have done some research and it seems 10cpm @ 20 psi is recommended however, it is hard to find info on what a compressor puts out at 20 psi.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

I have two compressors. I have a 2-stage 80 gallon 230v large compressor that puts out about 14CFM at 100psi, but I have a smaller Husky 30 gallon 1.7hp oil free compressor that works just fine for small jobs. Its puts out about 6cfm at 90psi. The smaller compressor works perfectly fine for shooting one 20oz cup of material. I typically set my gun around 35-40 psi at the gun inlet. If you are doing one-cup jobs the smaller compressor will be fine.

[@Srnichols]

@@BackyardBoatworks thank you for the help!

[@ronniemunafo7342]

I have the Accuspray HGP gun that I use in my auto body shop. I use it to spray 3M sausage packs of gravel Guard and the cup is smaller than that one you have there. Have you got any information on the cup & liners ? I also use the Accuspray non pressurized gun for spraying automotive primers & sealers.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

This is the standard 26oz cup and liners for this gun.

[@klaussteinberg6293]

Greetings from puglia/italy

[@MrSilvioareu]

Hello I like the way you work exelent thank you for share your experience, I have a question I am doing the stringers on my project , I don't want use plywood some friends tells me 3/4 pvc board works well, but I see Poly Foam Sheet, 02lb, 1" is not too expensive Can I use any of these composite material for stringers? Thank you

[@BackyardBoatworks]

PVC board can work if you know how to prep it. The poly foam is a better choice.

[@MrSilvioareu]

@@BackyardBoatworks thank you for your help .

[@BackyardBoatworks]

I’m one of my videos I used 2” poly foam to build a bulkhead.

[@punziracing]

Hello Russ, thank you for all the great info you provide. I am about to spray (for the first time) some repairs I did on a 25' CC and have a question regarding the Accuspray HGP, You mention in your comments that you set the gun at 35-40 psi., is this with the trigger pulled? 1st stage or wide open? Also, I would like to use gel coat with wax because Its what i have, can I spray a few coats wet on wet (one after another without pausing) or do I have to use non wax for multiple coats? Again, thank you for the time and effort you put into these videos, Great job!

[@BackyardBoatworks]

35-40 psi is the air setting at the regulator coming into the bottom of the gun. If your compressor is outputting 120psi you will see a little drop in pressure through the line but you’ll probably have about 80psi coming into the regulator. Once you pull the trigger the regulator at the gun will cut the 80psi down to 35-40psi consistently. You won’t get any variation in pressure no matter how much you pull the trigger. It’ll be a constant 35-40psi assuming your air compressor can keep up with the demand. Paint guns use a lot of air really fast so you either need a high CFM or a large storage tank to maintain a constant 35psi for several minutes of spraying. If your air supply can’t handle that you’re going to have problems as the pressure drops. Gelcoat that’s not reduced is very heavy and it’ll need the air pressure to move it through the gun. You can shoot multiple coats of waxed gelcoat as long as you get the second and third coat on wet on wet. I use the term wet on wet not literally it just means you don’t allow it to fully cure. I would wait maybe 5-10 minutes between coats just to allow the previous coat to tack up and then go right to the next coat. If you don’t let it tack up you’ll get running on your edges. If you are working in warmer temps you could cut the wait time down to only a few minutes. If you’re mixing gelcoat at 1.5-2% it’s going to tack pretty fast here in Florida. It’s all depends on the weather and your MEKP ratio. I wouldn’t mix below 1.5%MEKP. Hope that helps. If you have any other questions you can email me from my website contact form.

[@punziracing]

@@BackyardBoatworks Excellent, thank you so much for the quick response!

[@josephboudreaux5312]

Nice job. How are you still liking that accuspray gun and after using a year do you use more of the smaller cups 13.5 oz vs 22+…. Thanks !

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Actually stopped using it. It worked good for a few months and then started having issues and I couldn’t get it to spray at all. I wouldn’t suggest buying one. Supposedly the new version is better but I’m reluctant to spend $400+ on it.

[@PersuaderboatsGoFast]

That is a magical gun, trust me, it can do so much.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

I actually don’t use it much anymore. This older design has a lot of flaws. The tips like to pop off in the middle of spraying which is total BS and it’s ruined a few jobs I’ve been working on. The newer version is a lot better but they don’t offer a gun mounted pressure cup and the pressure assisted kit for the new gun is $500 which is INSANITY for a gun that is plastic.

[@PersuaderboatsGoFast]

@@BackyardBoatworks I imagine they wear out from changing the tips. My new shop foreman doesn't like them at all, he is majorly old school.

[@leehannah7377]

@@BackyardBoatworks what could would you suggest for small projects like small sections on the side hull?

[@leehannah7377]

What gel coat gun would you suggest if not 3m Accuspray

[@BackyardBoatworks]

You can shoot gel through a 2.0 or 2.5mm tip gun with about 10-20% reducer. If you are shooting raw gelcoat 3.0mm tip is better.

[@oldricky]

Good job. You hit a LOT of points that even 3M's marketing department so sorely misses! 3M also makes a replacement adapter that is a combo fan control / air tap for other 3M guns. PN 26837, I swear 3M's marketing dept does everything it can to prevent initial product sales by making a ton of repetitive videos and brochures that attempt to sell completely separate kits for different viscosities, which just pisses people off and invites knock off competitors because of the pricing strategy enforcement.

[@joshuashatusky4652]

You can use patchaid to thin the gell out depending on the nozzle size on your gun

[@joshuashatusky4652]

But if you use to much patchaid it can cause sag and runs just get your mixture right and go from there

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Yes Patch aid and Duratec high gloss works good for finish work but prepping into molds requires 20-30mil thickness.

[@rustykockelman9394]

I’m looking for a dark blue or royal with metallic flake in gel coat, is there such thing? or do i need to clear it after?

[@BackyardBoatworks]

The color is in the flake not the gelcoat.

[@Chacha-pe4sc]

Hi I have 2 of those gun been spraying boats been at Coronado cays yacht club for years last boat was 48 foot Alexander

[@user-el8lz5dq1s]

Where can I buy it ?

[@jonathanabadia4377]

Use masking tape on the can creating a v shape to prevent the paint to go to the edge for the lid.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

I'll try that..thanks

[@sysublime5091]

I want to spray my yacht with gelcoat. Instead of using paint.. I have at least 10 layers of topside and 20 layers of bottom paint I have to sand through before I get to the original gelcoat.. I am probably going to soda blast it first. What do you suggest I buy to get the job done.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Hire someone.

[@brianwynne4782]

Great video! Didn’t look like the gun had much over spray either.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Gelcoat has little overspray by nature.

[@Carteretcountyfishingandmore]

I am trying to order right pieces for this gun can you help me with what other part numbers I need. I have the HGP gun (16587) and the large cup (16124). If I get the liner/lid/cap kits will that give me the rest I need minus the tips and air compressor? Do you have part numbers you could send me for what you order?

[@BackyardBoatworks]

I’m sorry I don’t have the part numbers handy. You need the gun, HGP cup, tips, liners and caps. That’s it.

[@1975Per]

Nice video! I just bought this gun to spray my boat. You did moulds now... I'm gonna shoot the side of the boat. If I don't wanna (or have access to) Duratec, what can I do to thin it (if not acetone) Is MEK better? Or Styrene? Also, if I would get Duratec, my gelcoat is colormatched, does duratec change the color at all?

[@BackyardBoatworks]

I’ll be totally honest that I don’t have a ton of experience shooting gelcoat on hull sides etc. I prefer to use paint. However the Duratec high gloss additive is what I would use along with the patch booster but I don’t really think you’ll need to thin it out much with this gun. The gel flows out very nice even non-reduced.

[@rickhambric9737]

Thin gel coat with styrene. DO NIT THIN WITH ACETONE!!! and no, duratech won’t change the color.

[@ecmo2007]

Great video. I'm considering one for a large boat project I have...What do you think about the Accuspray vs. a G100 cup gun? Thank you.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Two totally different guns. The G100 is really only meant for shooting molds because it only shoots downward and there’s no control. I have both. To be honest it’s been like two years since I made this video and I don’t use this gun any longer. There were many design flaws with it that made it difficult to use. I wouldn’t suggest buying one now. I think you’d be better off getting a 2.5mm or 3.0mm tip gravity feed gun and just thin out the gelcoat a little bit.

[@ecmo2007]

@@BackyardBoatworks Thank you for taking the time to reply Russ I appreciate it. So are you saying you don't use the 3M anymore or the G100?

[@BackyardBoatworks]

I don’t use the 3M any longer. I use a 2.5mm tip gravity feed gun instead. The G100 I use for shooting molds only.

[@countrymagic61]

Question? I am only looking for information to educate myself about fiber glassing. I find it interesting. I may start off with some simple small projects to take what I think I have learned and put it to practical experience (nothing to do with boats). So the question is...Can you use denatured alcohol to thin out gel coat? When I used to build and paint plastic models, I use to thin out my paint with denatured alcohol. The denatured alcohol has a fast evaporation rate. Would this apply to using with gelcoat?

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Acetone or Styrene is a better solvent to thin gelcoat but keep in mind that both of those will cause the gelcoat to turn yellow over time and also you shouldn’t reduce the gelcoat by anymore than maybe 10% max using those solvents. If you need to reduce it more there’s specialized products called PATCH BOOSTER and a product from Duratec that is a thinning agent but these are mostly used when spraying to get a smoother surface. I’m sure the acetone will work what you are doing.

[@matthewsellers82]

Probably not, the only things you're supposed to use to thin a polyester resin (including Gelcoat) for spraying are Styrene, Patch aid or Duratec HiGloss. But hey try a small test batch and let us know

[@countrymagic61]

@@matthewsellers82 Thank you for the response as well. The reason for asking is because I don't know. I know very little about fiber glassing, and I have never done any. I am gathering information to see if this is something I want to try and start on small projects to gain a little bit of experience before tackling any larger projects. But I don't want to get crazy with all the induction stuff. Mainly to make a plug/buck, make a mold, and complete a finished project. I have some ideas I may want to try out.

[@jcaoutdoors]

Will this gun shoot gel with heavy flake? I work on bass boats a lot and am wanting this gun but I think a 2.0 is the biggest it goes?

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Yes 2.0 is the largest tip they offer for this gun. I am not sure if it will flow the flake, however it shoots raw gelcoat very easily. Sometimes I have to turn down the flow adjustment because too much gelcoat is moving out of the tip.

[@terrywalker4790]

What size compressor and pressure setting do you use?

[@BackyardBoatworks]

I have a 3hp 2-stage compressor. Air at the gun is about 45psi

[@brianjohnson5910]

My HF gun sprays tooling gelcoat after drilling the tip to 2.5mm.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Sweet

[@michaelcamuso8259]

What was your compressor setup with this gun?

[@BackyardBoatworks]

As much air as possible. I have a 2-stage 220V 80 gallon with a 3.5HP motor.

[@sysublime5091]

What is that gun you bought.

[@nsmnsm8889]

Hi how come you do not have a Covered top work area protect your body from Sony Fl days

[@BackyardBoatworks]

I do

[@automan1223]

spraying on a toasty black mold in the sun like that is probably not good form. The heat is going to kick it off crazy fast, could result in cracking, shrinking or uneven finish. Cleaning those nozzles is probably very economical those larger tips are expensive compared to the smaller ones.

[@simonac688.]

👍

[@lukamuller4807]

Sorry, but gellcoat, or any other materials needing component B will never dry in the lip of the can. Always test the spray pattern before. You don't need no special cleaners, acetone will do the job just fine, I do recommend living some acetone in the gun, if I know I will not be using a gun for a while 2months +, I seal it in a plastic bag. It works like new for years. Best to all.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

It won’t dry but it’ll get hard and clumpy. This gun has disposable tips. No need to leave solvent in the gun. Thanks for the great advice.

[@lukamuller4807]

@@BackyardBoatworks Later I saw it's a 2 year old post, either way I didn't expected a reply, so thanks a lot. Just a personal experience input, we used similar guns years back, we treated them the same, and the "disposable" part lasted 50 to 60 cleanups. Just you must remember that you have some acetone in the gun, so before use, blow it off, add some fresh ( so it cleans the film that it creates), blow some air again, and it worked like a charm every time. Cleanup time is like 2 minutes, and prep time like 1 min. And we left gellcoat or epoxy to dry in the gun container and peel it off later - for these you need very soft, kinda rubbery containers. I am sorry, but whenever I see someone using some "special" cleaners and stuff sales reps are pushing to sell, I get goosebumps. Best to you, and thanks for the reply.

[@daddynowski]

Magnum Venus external mix is best

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Lol. No shit. That’s also a 10k piece of equipment.

[@ironbar9535]

What hardware store has gelcoat for $12?

[@BackyardBoatworks]

McDonald’s hardware in Fort Lauderdale per quart

[@ironbar9535]

@@BackyardBoatworks I'll have to check that out. Thanks!

[@filibertobarrera3839]

I put my gelcote on a diet,when it's thin enough,I spray it.😳😳😳

[@BackyardBoatworks]

That’s great. If you’re shooting molds that doesn’t work very well.

[@raulgalaviz8987]

Where to buy that gun?

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Amazon

[@jerrysalinas4740]

Good video. I'm able to shoot gelcoat with my pps gun but I use duratec gelcoat additive it's 50/50 and cures to a super high gloss finish. I have also used the purple gun from harbor freight but you have to take off the tip and with a drill press widen the hole. If I'm not mistaken a 7/64 bit is 2.7mm which is decent for gel.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Yes. Reducer and additives thin out raw resin. I can shoot raw unreduced gel coat through my 2.5mm tip gravity feed gun also.

[@robertcarter3014]

Yo

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Moma

[@Open_trail89]

Is it really a good gun like that bro

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Is a good gun bro

[@randomalbanyguy1657]

HOLY CRAP...this new PAINT GUN shoots GELCOAT like a pornstar!

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Lol. That too

[@firstmkb]

Nice wording!

[@drummer0864]

A lot of time with the gun lets you know what's going on. I'm not sure I have that much time left.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Huh

[@joshmc4328]

No thank you, I'll stick with a dump gun, imagine if you had two or three pieces you needed done. All that clean up in between each piece, no sir just ain't going to happen...

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Great comment 🫤 But a dump gun works for molds only which I have one of those. This is for “shooting” gelcoat not dumping it. But thanks for the input.

[@SoBoring136]

No offence your cover was terrible, you missed a lot.

[@BackyardBoatworks]

Thanks for the input. This is a mold and it won’t be covered 100% with glass so the areas that are showing thin aren’t important.

[@glassice03]

what wast of time this is the saddest thing I have seen sorry that I wasted my time on this crap

[@BackyardBoatworks]

So you waste your time commenting also ? Why not just shut your mouth and move on. No one cares.

[@glassice03]

this was so much bull shit don't want anyone to waste their time with the crap you do you are not going to be a utubve hit @@BackyardBoatworks