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- Application Method
- Application Method
Do not overmix BathCote® gel coats. Overmixing breaks down gel coat viscosity, increasing tendencies to sag, and causes styrene loss, which could contribute to porosity. Gel coats should be mixed once a day for 10 minutes. The gel coat should be mixing to the sides of the container with the least amount of turbulence possible. Air bubbling should not be used for mixing. It is not effective and only serves as potential for water or oil contamination.
Although the BathCote® 992 gel coats are formulated as low VOC products, it should be noted that overatomization of a gel coat means more volatilization (more overspray, more monomer and solids loss, more odor). It is important then to strive for good atomization (good fan pattern, no fingers or tails, uniform particle size of about 1/16²) while maintaining lowest pump and atomizing pressures as practical.
The inherent chemistry of these gel coats does not allow for the same ease of fluid movement experienced with other gel coats. Adjustments may have to be made for pump pressure, delivery rate, tip size and atomization. Polynt Composites does not recommend fluid lines longer than 50 feet, or pumps smaller than 20:1 ratio. In addition, 992’s are more sensitive to cold temperatures than are other gel coats. BathCote® 992 gel coats are formulated for airless as well as conventional spray application. Neither brushing nor rolling is recommended. Refer to PB-16 (Application Guide) and PB-3 (Equipment Selection) Bulletins for additional specific recommendations.
For optimum results, uniform catalyst mix must be achieved. Even with the equipment properly calibrated, potential problems can occur due to poorly atomized catalyst; surging problems (gel coat or catalyst); poor tip alignment (catalyst to gel coat mix); contamination; and poor application procedures, which will quickly negate all benefits of calibration. The equipment (and application procedures) must be monitored on a routine basis to ensure proper application and cure of the gel coat. Inquire about and adhere to all equipment manufacturers’ recommendations. For best overall end performance properties, a wet film thickness of 18 ± 2 mils is recommended as ideal. Films less than 12 mils may not cure properly, may be hard to patch, have more print-through, and be more susceptible to water blisters. Films above 24 mils may pre-release, trap porosity, crack and are more subject to weathering discoloration.
Properties
- Typical Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Flash Point at 77°F | 88 | °F | — |
| Viscosity Brookfield RVF #4 Spindle at 20 rpm at 77°F | 3,200-3,500 | cps | — |
| Thixotropic Index (2/20) at 77°F | 4.5-5.5 | — | — |
| Weight per Gallon at 77°F | 10.5-12.0 | lbs | — |
| Gel Time Method POLYNT-22-TAS-TM-515.2, 100 g mass, 77°F with United Initiators Norox® 1.8% MEKP at 77°F | 3.5-10 | minutes | — |
| Lay-up Time at 77°F | 30-45 | minutes | — |
| Sag Resistance (Good) at 77°F | Good at 20 mils | mils | — |
| Hide (most formulations) (Complete) at 77°F | Complete at 10 mils wet | mils wet | — |
Technical Details & Test Data
- Cure
It is recommended that gel time be checked in the customer's plant because age, temperature, humidity and catalyst will produce varied gel times. All data referencing gel or cure refers specifically to Arkema Luperox® DDM-9 catalyst. United Initiators Norox® MEKP-9 and Norox® MEKP-9H, Akzo Nobel CADOX L-50a and CADOX D-50 are expected to yield similar performance. Arkema Luperox® DHD-9, Norox® MEKP-925 and Norox® MEKP-925H, and Pergan HP-90 may yield slightly shorter gel and cure times.
The catalyst level should not exceed 3% or fall below 1.2% for proper cure. Recommended range is 1.2% to 3.0% with 1.8% at 77°F being ideal. Normally, the gel coat film is ready for lamination in 30 to 45 minutes. This time element is dependent on material temperature, room temperature, humidity, air movement, and catalyst concentration. Note: 992 films have a tendency to air dry and lay-up times may be deceiving. If lay-up time is checked by the finger method, slight pressure and rubbing should be used.
These products should not be used when temperature conditions are below 60°F, as curing may be adversely affected
Storage & Handling
- Handling and Storage
Uncatalyzed, BathCote® 992 gel coats have a shelf life of 120 days from date of manufacture when stored at 73°F or below in a closed, factory-sealed, opaque container, and out of direct sunlight. Fast cure gel coats (gel time less than 9.0 minutes) are stable for 60 days. The shelf life is cut in half for every 20° over 73°F. Totes of product can have even shorter shelf life – 66% of that for drums