Clear Gel

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

Hello im new to this site and i would like advice from time to time on certain aspects of composites that i have not had much experience with. First of all i am looking for a super clear UV/Heat resistant gel coat for use with Carbon fiber for an aesthetically pleasing clear view of the weave. Any advice much appreciated

Thanks, JETC

#2

[LEFT]The best one I know is the IMC In Mould Coating from HP Textiles. It is polyurethan based and I have no problems with 100°C and yellowing.
Another one is the carbon protect from Lange&Ritter, but I have not much experience with this system.
[/LEFT]

#3

Take a look at Scott baders Stonecast 95PA

Stonecast 95PA
[ul]
[li]Crystal clear chemical resistant spray iso/npg gelcoat with excellent clarity[/li][li]Crystal clear chemical resistant spray iso/npg gelcoat with excellent thermal shock resistance[/li][/ul]

#4

I have been told that no matter what you need to clear coat if you want true UV protection. I bought some Marine Clear Gel Coat from Express Composites that is suppose to be UV resistant, but after I bought it I was told that I should clear it anyway.

I would prefer to not clear coat anything and just use a clear gel that can be polished to a shine. Maybe I can get some other opinions, is it essential that you clear even if using a UV resistant gel coat?

#5

The IMC is UV stabil, if you paint a few more layers it can be wet sanded and polished. If your mould is perfect 1 layer is enough.

#6

I Talked to the technical support at Lang & Ritter, who told me that there is no truly UV-proof gelcoat/topcoat on the market. According to him, no matter what the maker says, you need to clear coat it if it is exposed to direct sunlight or it will yellow. So, I always clear.

I use T-30 (branded by Larit but made by Hexal). Don’t know how heat resistant it is since that doesn’t matter for my application (bike frames).

#7

Epoxy based products will all yellow. T30 (Momentive/Scheufler) is polyester based.

#8

The PU IMC from HP Textiles has the same UV protection than a clear coat.

#9

I wish you could get this in the US. Sounds like cool.