What exactly does it mean when you gellcoat something? In the othe rpost it mentioned sanding something then gell coating then painting.

 

it's a spray that is used to smooth out the "pinholes." it is not a neccessary step, however it will save time by not having to get a piece sanded to 600 grit prior to paint

 

really, what "companies" or types of gelcoats do you recommend for this quick ready to paint solution?

 

Gelcoat is styrene based material that is typically sprayed into molds. Resin and fiberglass is directly applied (hand laid, chopped, vacuum, etc.) to gelcoat and during the curing process, the gelcoat permanently bonds to it. A sandable gray gelcoat acts as a primer but there are many types and colors of gelcoat that can create mirror like, high gloss finishes. Gelcoat is commonly misused when its applied to a finished part when there is no catalyzed resin to create the chemical reaction to bond the gelcoat to the part. There are agents, such as patchaid that you can add to gelcoat to help it bond to parts when spraying it in an open air environment. If you wanting to fill in pin holes and get a surface ready to paint, you are better off using an automotive primer or a polyester based primer, as this will create the same result with less cost and effort. Sanding gelcoat that has not fully cured is a nightmare. It is very tacky and you will go through ALOT of sandpaper. Applying heat (Sun) and acetone can further help cure the gelcoat and get rid of the tackiness. If you go the gelcoat route, you will not only need a gelcoat but a catalyst, and a way to spray it (your average HVLP paint gun will not spray it)! Check out www.selectproducts.com. They should have all the supplies you need.

Good luck,