{"id":2223,"date":"2020-06-17T11:53:04","date_gmt":"2020-06-17T15:53:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/?p=2223"},"modified":"2022-06-17T12:13:25","modified_gmt":"2022-06-17T16:13:25","slug":"thinning-gelcoat-and-pva-uses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/gelcoat\/thinning-gelcoat-and-pva-uses\/","title":{"rendered":"Thinning Gelcoat and Using PVA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Gelcoat<\/a> does not fully cure without first supplementing it with a surfacing agent or wax additive sanding aid. Gelcoat<\/a> may be thinned for use in a Portable Preval Sprayer with styrene monomer<\/a>. You can spray it with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) before gelcoat<\/a> reaches its gel stage (5-10 min.), or add 1oz per quart of a wax additive sanding aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PVA or Partall Film #10 <\/a>is a release agent that helps with removing parts from a mold or can be used as a surfacing agent when using gelcoat<\/a> without a wax additive (sanding aid).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PVA is soluble in water making it easy to wash off. Applying can be achieved by spraying or wiping the green liquid on with a sponge. It will foam slightly but dry to a clear, glossy shine. It can take 15-30 minutes depending on temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For spraying gelcoat<\/a> our FGCI brand does not recommend thinning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Generally, you should not add more than 10% Styrene <\/a>by volume. Patch Booster<\/a> is an additive that will thin out gelcoat<\/a> and not affect colors. Follow manufacturers instructions as added Mekp<\/a> may be needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another thinning alternative is the Duratec High Gloss Additive<\/a>. This is used with gelcoat<\/a> for many reasons. Mixed at a 50\/50<\/a> ratio this will produce a high gloss finish and will serve as a thinner for your gelcoat<\/a>, that is why this is commonly used when spraying gelcoat<\/a>. In addition, you’ll omit any additional sanding aid. After waiting a full 24 hours you can buff when cured, for a hi-gloss use 600 or higher grit paper and buff with Aqua Buff 2000 compound. Follow the manufacturer’s technical data sheet as an extra hardener<\/a> may be needed. Some customers use Styrene<\/a> for thinning but the manufacturer warns it can affect the gelcoat<\/a> colors although this is the most cost-effective option and doesn’t have the added wax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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