MIXING GELCOAT with EPOXY! WHAT WILL HAPPEN? Is It COMPATABLE?

[@jameshasenfus3412]

I'm a former moldmaker and I wanted to say thank you Captain Joe for sharing your time and experience to educate everyone. Very much appreciated Capt.

[@FishBumpTV]

I appreciate that! Glad you are enjoying the videos and thanks for watching!

[@ewjorgy]

Hi Captain Joe! Interesting experiment... I can't wait to see the epoxy/poly bond coat video! That is something that I am quite interested in as the previous owner of my boat did a lot of repairs with epoxy that should have been done with polyester. Thank you again for providing this excellent information to all of us DIY boat fixers! All the best from California! 🧡

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks! Working on the bond coat videos right now. Hope to have it up by this weekend. Appreciate you watching from sunny California!

[@denjhill]

I said it before, but will say it again. The best channel for getting straight forward useful information without the fluff. Well done.

[@FishBumpTV]

Wow, thank you very much! That means alot to me!

[@bcboncs]

Thank you for showing more epoxy-based content. I'd love to see epoxy considerations under different climate scenarios if you have the means to explain that to us. Ice, snow, uv, heat, highest heat allowable, etc

[@andrewnajarian5994]

The only UV stable epoxy I know of is West Systems, that’s what is used for Carbon Fibre parts that are designed not to be painted. Polyester is not UV stable, that’s why you need to keep gel coat waxed.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for watching and for the content suggestions! Much appreciated

[@peterwilson6363]

Joe these videos are so helpful for me on this very confusing (to me) subject. Thankyou for your time making these excellent videos.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@daveharmon9762]

Love this channel! Both informative and entertaining! High-quality content

[@FishBumpTV]

Wow, thanks! Your comment is much appreciated

[@teresajotyler4592]

Love watching you work bud thanks for the tips and I’ll share your videos

[@FishBumpTV]

Awesome, thank you 😊

[@LeeTrigg]

Your presentations are just what I need to improve my DIY skills. Thanks

[@FishBumpTV]

Awesome! Glad to help!

[@sheldongilbert808]

Awesome job explaining all of this in laymen terms. And your hardtop turned out great as always.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks a ton! I appreciate your comment!

[@jamesbrett9537]

I used to build and repair surfboards. I have repaired a few by putting a clear gell coat over an epoxy board. Never had an issue. As long as you get the amine blush off the epoxy first then it seems to adhere just fine as a finish coat.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for your thoughts. It is hard to pinpoint exactly which gelcoat and epoxy resins can have issues in certain combinations. Sometimes problems don't arise until sometime after the application. That is why many professionals and companies don't generally recommend it. I try very hard to only show or recommend products and combinations of materials that I know will work. Appreciate you watching

[@thomaswalters3041]

Joe that was an interesting way to showcase the compatibility of gelcoat with the other materials. Every video you share with us explains a bit more of the products and their role in the process. You said that the gelcoat is poly resin with color and fillers added in which makes since now as to why they are better suited to be used together. Thanks again for yet another piece to the puzzle of how the process works. TW

[@crimsontide1592]

Awesome experiment. Really appreciate dropping in these ITV's. (Informational training videos)

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you enjoyed it! We have more videos like this one coming soon!

[@randyg6231]

Great info !! Thank You !!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful! Appreciate you watching

[@ScottHastings-kl4bi]

Excellent information. I have often wondered about about using epoxy for boat repairs. Glad I found your channel.

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad to help, thanks for watching!

[@carlosfernandes7457]

Great video, big hug from Lisbon

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you! 😃 glad you liked it

[@HunterMumper]

Great video as always. Because of you I have gotten really into this as a hobby and even picked up a small 17 foot bay/skiff to indulge on a project. I did notice your project boat playlist not existing anymore. Was this discontinued? Best content out there for this stuff per usual. Thank you Captain Joe!

[@FishBumpTV]

That is awesome! The 21 ft project boat is still a go. Just wanted to get the hardtop done, and run some product tests and application videos before I started on the project boat full time. Managing time between family, work,videos etc can be challenging sometimes! Thanks for watching!

[@diggindiggenit6540]

Very informative thanks for showing us

[@FishBumpTV]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@Nathan-cx2wg]

Im in the off road community. I found your coverage very informative.

[@FishBumpTV]

That's awesome! Welcome to the channel!

[@yamahafan7330]

Hey Captain Joe, just thought I'd say that your channel is very informative and well presented. Thank you for your time and money that you put into these videos, I hope the channel goes a long way . 😊 A suggestion for the channel would be to venture into boat restorations. Things like transoms, stringers and floors. It would be great to see the tricks and techniques that you have acquired over the years and would be most helpful for DIY's. Thanks again. 👍

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you are enjoying the channel! I actually have a 21 ft center console project boat that needs stringers, floor, transom etc. We did a couple videos on it prier to starting our hardtop build. I have a few test and product review videos I have been wanting to do, then plan on a very in depth series of videos on our project boat. I think it will answer a lot of questions and be very entertaining! So stay tuned and thanks for the suggestion!

[@yamahafan7330]

@@FishBumpTV, I did hear mention of it in one of your videos actually. I'm glad you are going to go into full detail with it. Please include the demolition part of it also. Thanks again Joe. 👍

[@FishBumpTV]

@@yamahafan7330 10-4 Thanks again

[@robertcain3426]

Yes, as a general rule, polyester over epoxy is not recommended. However, as an aethestic such as as pigmented finish/gloss coat or gelcoat, you can do it without problems. It was done for years in the surfing industry in Australia without any problems. Structural bonding, though, is a different matterand nit recommended. Cheers

[@marvinmartiani1337]

Great video information thanks for the video

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@jakejacobson2999]

Good to know! I just bought a bought and am about to do some repairs on the floor and possibly the transom. Definitely going with vinyl ester

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad I could help! I really like the vinyl ester resin from fiberglass warehouse. Be sure to mention fish bump tv on KZbin, or look out for their discount code online and you can save some money. I hope this helps and I wish you the best with your project!

[@jakekrieger7536]

Love the videos really helpfull stuff. I am preparing to build a hard top for a boat as well and would love some insight on using different foam core materials like polyisocyanurate insulation board to keep costs down.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you are enjoying the videos! The poly iso foam that we have access to is very low density, and quite delicate compared to Airex or Divinycell. I would be concerned about it indenting or crushing at the mounting points. Not to say it can't be done, but I would be cautious about using it. The Airex was only about 90 dollars more per sheet than the poly iso. That's not terrible bad for a core that I am sure will hold up. Maybe you could do some testing, and see what you come up with. I wish you the very best with your project and I appreciate you watching!

[@ckvasnic1]

Cool experiment Captain! Thanks for sharing your time and many talents. Where do you source your foam core from? Thanks… all the best. Chuck

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I source the 2 pound density foam from our local Advanced Plastics. I think they have several locations in the southeast.

[@Holokai808]

Can you do a test where you apply gelcoat over fully cured poly/vinyl/epoxy instead of mixing them? Also maybe different epoxies and with/without removing amine blush? Appreciate the time you put into these videos and have improved my workflow a bit thanks to your tips!

[@andrewnajarian5994]

The more testing the better but have you checked out Andy at Boatworks Today on YT? He’s done a number of these although he always preps the surface. I can tell you, not prepping the surface is guaranteed to fail/delaminate unless of course you’re using laminating resin.

[@davidtornberg8060]

I have been watching Andy's at boatworkstoday video's for years. I Like these videos a lot more please keep them. coming.

[@andrewnajarian5994]

@@davidtornberg8060 yeah, I like both and I really appreciate that Joe is much more to the point as well. Andy’s channel is full of a lot of great info too though.

[@Holokai808]

@@andrewnajarian5994 I believe Andy exclusively used West Systems epoxy in those tests. Joe has used many different epoxies with different mixing ratios and has pointed out that 3:1 and higher have more amine blush. He also mentioned a product that should promote adhesion; something that wasn’t likely available when Andy made his video 9 years ago.

[@SVPearler]

I have put flowcoat over epoxy, fully cured and sanded. Seem to work fine.

[@kencurrie5008]

By far one of the best channels for learning how to work with fiber glass, You are awesome Captain Joe! Can you tell me what is your choice of chop strand mat 3/4, 1 or 1.5 ounce for the majority of your work. Does 1708 come with different ounce csm on it and if so which do you use for the most part. I would like to thank you in advance for your input!

[@mitchelllavalley3497]

Your timing couldn't be any better. l just bought a boat and plan to do some cosmetics to it. It has some small gouges and some spider cracks and thus far you have provided most any if not all questions l may have had on working with the product you have. So doing the repairs and final gel-coat on my boat will go good, but it will be labor intensive Thank you!

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad the videos are helpful and I wish you all the best with your project!

[@brianraven4535]

When will we get to see the Kenner Project boat? I am patiently waiting.

[@russellalford5684]

The vinyl Ester I have used in the past used cream hardener, not MEK ?

[@evroyo8716]

Great vídeos, keep gringo.....from Brazil

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, I appreciate you watching all of the way from Brazil 🇧🇷!

[@DondiTrent]

Capt Joe thanks for the expertise really helpful info this is the kind of videos I was referring to like something your Father would do that maybe would go against the grain of what is taught these days with the new materials available and still get great lasting results because of the rising cost of materials .

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you enjoyed it! I will try my best to keep the videos educational and informative for you all! Thanks for your support and encouragement!

[@user-roadwander]

Great content.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you very much!

[@Beekeeping_Bro]

Hey Joe nice work bro , thank you for sharing knowledge with KZbin community. Did you ever use alexseal paint and what is your thoughts.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you are enjoying the channel! No, I have always used Awlgrip for our 2 part marine painting projects. It is the most commonly used paint in our area, and I have had good success using it. Interlux also makes some nice 2 part marine finishes. I hope this helps and I appreciate you watching!

[@hobartelam3799]

I kinda need to know what 3 types of fiberglass cloth should I invest in to repair my badly busted hull of my sailboat, or 2 Your go to cloth

[@MBicknell]

Great video love your content. Would you need a primer coat if you were going to put gel over epoxy?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks, glad you are enjoying the channel! I have a new product test coming very soon that will solve the gelcoat over epoxy issue. I think it is going to be very helpful, so stay tuned!

[@lanetatom2701]

Great. I watched show on boat small hole repair and they recommended Bondo Marine Long Strand epoxy. I ordered it and it will be her Tuesday. I guess the only place I can use that is if the finish layer is paint.

[@markthomasson5077]

Gel coat has a wax component. You can buy wax in styrene to add to laminating resin.

[@markthomasson5077]

I am using epoxy below waterline and polyester above. I did allow some gel coat to flow over the epoxy, only a few days old….it didn’t set! Heck of a job to remove as it was inside a centreboard casing. I do find that you can use polyester over old epoxy. You need a good mechanical bond, and what really helps is if the epoxy has glass or filler, as the poly bonds well to them.

[@FishBumpTV]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@starrider4878]

Like Mega mind. I love the way you think. Who knew you were a mad scientist 😂

[@FishBumpTV]

Haha, thanks!

[@andrewnajarian5994]

Joe, could you elaborate on vinylester. Why would you ever mix it with polyester? Why do you prefer it for repairs? I grew up around a fiberglass shop and have used poly for everything except the rare occasions I use Epoxy. Doesn’t vinylester have a much shorter shelf life?

[@arthurschuler8906]

I filled a lot of holes on my catamaran with epoxy and painted it with one component alkyd Epifanes paint 20 years ago and it hold out very well, can not see any defects.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for your thoughts and for watching!

[@tahirifilmproduction]

Thanks sir for giving your time and you useful experience, I have some questions 1. What kind of paint you recommend on epoxy instead of gel coat? 2. Can we add some parts parts like a cupboard etc made of epoxy on a boat made of polyester resin? 3. How can we know a boat made of polyester resin or epoxy resin? Thanks in advance

[@nameunavailable456]

Awesome experiment, and very informative show--as always. I have a question though--Why would I ever mix gel coat with vinylester or polyester? Isn't gel coat a "top coat" for cured fiberglass?

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the Epoxy into Gelcoat experiment. That's really what this video is, just a way to have some fun and see what happens. Also a good way to talk about different materials and their compatability. You are correct in that you wouldn't ever mix these materials the way I did in this video. Appreciate you watching!

[@ltownandfriends4531]

where i live you get a epoxy based gel coat. have not tried it out yet but am planning to soon

[@bullthrush]

Nice experiment, the vinyl mix seemed easier to break than the poly mix.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks! Yes, the vinyl resin to gelcoat blend did seem to break easier. Maybe that's because the gelcoat is a polyester and the materials blended better. It's always interesting just to see what happens with these experiments, even if it's not something you would ever typically do. Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@WoodnWaterGuy]

I just repaired some compart lids on an old bass boat I have . After I removed the carpet, I applied 2 coats of epoxy resin because the wood grain was raised bad, and some had began to separate. I hope that was a good choice. I have re-carpet all the lids. And one was really bad I used some Ardmid fibers I had into the resin as extra strength I'm limited to what I have . I hope all goes well for me.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for sharing and for watching! I wish you the best with your project.

[@WoodnWaterGuy]

@FishBumpTV I fish out of it yesterday so it's still good 👍

[@andersonautomotive]

Yeah, mixing liquid poly and epoxy is always going to be bad. I regularly gelcoat over fully cured and keyed West epoxy on my own boat with no problems at all. I used an off brand epoxy one time and even after two weeks the gelcoat wouldn't cure. The fix was to coat the job in West, cure, key, and gelcoat.

[@hans-wernermayer1312]

All the best from Germany……..

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for watching all of the way from Germany 🇩🇪!!

[@andrewnajarian5994]

I may be wrong, but I think a metric drop is the same size as an imperial drop. 😂

[@Z-Ack]

Im just wanting to know if epoxy can be poured over a poly stained wood.. im using the poly stain to get the color i want and the epoxy to make the thick barrier and level out the burns on the wood..

[@FishBumpTV]

Not for sure on that one. I would imagine it should work, but probably a good idea to do some research and testing. Thanks for watching

[@streamin2605]

Capt Joe, what about a test where you do a 24 or 36grit grind on some epoxy and apply different resins to it. More or less pull on it until it pulls off the epoxy

[@boatcrafterscollective]

Most epoxies take about 7 days to fully cure. Once it’s 100% cured you can sand and put any poly over it including gelcoat. You’ll be creating a mechanical bond between the epoxy and the poly with the sand scratches.

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, I talked about that option towards the end of the video. I think a lot of people missed that part. Most companies still only suggest doing that for cosmetic repairs in many cases, so it can be tricky for some folks to determine when that applies to their repair. Thanks for watching

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for the suggestion, and for watching!

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for the suggestion! That's what I was talking about towards the end of the video. It is relying on a mechanical bond, instead of any kind of chemical bond. Stay tuned, and I appreciate you watching!

[@mannymayer9250]

The professor is doing experiments. This should get interesting!

[@FishBumpTV]

Haha! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Bentleymetalworx]

I used U.S. plastics light weight body filler with polyester resin to make a thinner fairing compound. Marine fairing compound is ridiculous in cost and says don't use below the water line either unless sealed. I'm spraying gel coat once its ready. To hot and humid right now. Im in Silverhill so you know what I mean lol.

[@FishBumpTV]

Very cool, thanks for the comments and suggestions! You can also use vinyl ester resin mixed with cabosil or colloidal silica for a very good moisture resistant filler. Fiberglass warehouse has the VE resin for around 75 bucks. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@megajointen]

Hello Woulden you use it on top off already harden polyester/vinylester and epoxy. Thanks for alle the videos you make for us😊🙏 Best regards Thomas from Denmark Have a great day

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, typically, you would apply gelcoat over cured materials. This was just a experiment of sorts and a way to discuss materials and their uses. Thanks for watching all of the way from Denmark!!

[@skilletojones2005]

Can epoxy be applied on top of polyesters, say, in a patch or repair situation?

[@FiberglassWarehouse]

Yes it can

[@FishBumpTV]

Sure, epoxy works just fine over polyester or vinyl ester. Thanks for watching!

[@garysnyder6020]

Any idea what a 1979 PennYan would have been made with?

[@FishBumpTV]

Almost all production boats are built with polyester resin. Especially older boats. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@garysnyder6020]

@@FishBumpTV Thank's

[@Jimmyfisher121]

Is it possible to send you an Email picture to get some advice, I am in Scotland but have access to fibreglass warehouse or would it be wiser to contact them directly every time I go into their site I am confused, thank you Joe I am trying to restore a 1979 Fairline Vixen with the Mercruiser stern drive and I really want to do it well, But have to admit I am Bricking it.

[@ArshadMahmood-f4e]

please can you help, i need a reisen after dry reisen , when i heat resin it be come soft, i want on it stamping foil on it , please please help me

[@MrSkyrider226]

have you can get color in the gelcoat i dont have i white boat its more litel lith brown they say iff you take whith and yellow they i get they color i are after but have you miks it can i juse ordenery yellow and wer can i bay it

[@brianpugh6707]

If I use jb marine weld epoxy to fill some transom holes on a 15' 1972 fiberglass boar (NOT high-end), should I still use polyester resin and gel coat combo to cover fill-patch?

[@adielawson6854]

What I'd like to know is if your using tinted gel coat over the repair to color match, then after a few hours can epoxy clear resin be sprayed over top of that as a clear coat to finish blending the color? Similar to the way a car repair is done but on a boat instead. Automotive paint wouldn't hold up on a boat that's I'm water.

[@FishBumpTV]

I have never seen that done before. It might be because epoxy tends to yellow over time when exposed to UV light. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@eetack]

You are about to get a million Andy from boatworks comments..... . You basically inhibited either resin from forming the chemical bonds needed to thermoset. Although the gel was catalyzed, once you mixed it into the epoxy, you spread out the polyester, and the catalyst. Same goes for the epoxy. Yes, you catalyzed the epoxy, but immediately diluted it with poly resin. So what you ended up with, were 2 reactions that never had a chance to do their job. It would be interesting to throw a flir camera at that concoction from the start to see if it generated any heat at all. . I know west systems 205 in a pour that thick, would normally be warm to the touch, and a half full mixing cup will run away to a temp that will melt the cup. (205 has a steep learning curve) What would be more damming, is if you let both products start to kick before mixing them. I mean, right before they start to gel up, and you can just barely blend them, then mix the two. I have some nice black no wax gel on the way, if I have some left, I might try it myself for science. . Andy has already provided a nice video where he had to kinda put his foot in his mouth when the gel coat hung on to epoxy like a scared octopus. You could argue this is not representative of bond strength over time, but in the intermediate, it demonstrates initial bond quality. There are also some gel manufacturers, and epoxy manufacturer's videos on youtube, explaining how to apply gel over epoxy. . I think, there isn't a definite answer. It will probably boil down to what enginenerd at company X says their product is compatible, or incompatible with product type Y.

[@FishBumpTV]

Yes, lots of possible variables in this little test. Thought it would be interesting just to see what would happen, and talk about epoxy and poly pros and cons. I do have a product test coming soon that should solve some potential polyester gelcoat over epoxy issues, so stay tuned and thanks for watching!

[@sviriecat]

Hey Capt Joe, what's your opinion on gelcoat over epoxy fairing like Total Boats Total Fair. I recently did this on my helm and after watching this video I'm not sure how long it's going to last. Thanks.

[@FishBumpTV]

Gelcoat over epoxy is always a tricky subject. The problem is that there are a huge number of different material combinations possible. Some of these combinations can work under certain circumstances, and others will not. That's why many companies, and I don't generally recommend applying gelcoat over anything epoxy based. An epoxy tie coat is an option, as it is designed to bridge the gap between the two materials. I have a video on the channel showing the use of a product from System 3 epoxy that works very well. I hope this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@sviriecat]

@@FishBumpTVthank you!

[@reneivars114]

I oz is equal to 29.6 milliliter.

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks

[@reneivars114]

@@FishBumpTV my pleasure. I enjoy watching your videos so much, thanks for all you do . Cheers from Ottawa CANADA

[@megajointen]

Sorry i didn’t see the video to the end😊 before my comment

[@FishBumpTV]

No problem 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@joshmofosho]

it’s almost midnight for me right now. i just paused the video confused about why i am hearing cardinals outside making noise right now 🧐

[@FishBumpTV]

Haha, funny! Yep, we have lots of cardinals, blue jays, mocking birds and the occasional barking dog here on the channel! Thanks for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it!

[@ChoppazOG]

💪💪

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you!!

[@86OEd]

👍👍👍

[@FishBumpTV]

Thank you!

[@mhansl]

I have switched to measuring nearly all fluids in metric. It’s so easy, when it says “add 2.5%”, in metric. 2.5% of 100ml is 2.5 ml. Do that with 3.5 oz? What’s 2.5% of 3.5oz? I would love to switch on job sites. Find the center of a 15’ 5 5/8” wall. Doable, but metric is so much faster. Frustrating.

[@FishBumpTV]

I hear ya! It can be challenging to unlearn and relearn a new system, but I can definitely see the benefits! Especially since the whole rest of the world is on metric. I will try to work more with metric in the future for you all.

[@peterbates4696]

I’ve said it before and I will say it again…

[@FishBumpTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@B_ROB_82]

for science!!! love it haha

[@FishBumpTV]

Haha, yep! It's kinda fun doing these experiments and tests. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@B_ROB_82]

@@FishBumpTV joe, thank you. It has been so refreshing to find your channel. You were born for this i swear!!

[@FishBumpTV]

@@B_ROB_82 Much appreciated!!

[@freas8520]

Don't worry about us overseas. We've got google over here as well. "1 US fluid ounce = 29.5735296 ml"

[@FishBumpTV]

Haha, there you go! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@thongyiewkhong8542]

Great info. Thanks captain

[@FishBumpTV]

Glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate you watching!