So it looks like I may have to re-gelcoat my venerable old kayak to make it Y2K compliant. I've e-mailed the kayak manufacturer for any recommendations on specific brands or systems that will adhere best to the particular lay-up of my boat (vinylester resin). However, I'd appreciate any suggestions or hints on methods. My current plan of attack is to: 1.Grind/dust/buff off the old gelcoat with a drill attachment and sanding disks. 2. Prep the surface with a wipe down of MEK (methyl ethyl ketone). 3. Mix gelcoat and catalyst according to package, and paint it on with paintbrushes (I'm going for function here; I do not expect to achieve a "factory finish".) A couple of questions: I read suggestions that putting a layer of Saran Wrap over the gelcoat will keep it from curing too quickly, and make it more durable.I'm not sure how to do this without moulding ripples and whorls into the gelcoat. Do I need to bother with this if I'm mixing according to the maker's suggestions? Does the Saran Wrap peel off easily? Does the ambient temperature matter? If I get really carried away, I may tint all the gelcoat below the water line an obnoxious neon green; I've always thought this would be a great way to increase the visibility of a capsized boat in the water, or a stolen boat on someone else's roof rack. Any suggestions as to how long I should let the lower coloured gelcoat cure before I mask it off and do the white above-waterline gelcoat? Thanks in advance for any input. Philip Torrens N49°16' W123°06' *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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