Ever forgot to catalyze a cup of gelcoat?

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#1

Had a blue million other things on my mind ((possible new job and a long distance move) while shooting gelcoat for a new mold, and realized after the fact that I had laid down a cup of gelcoat in the process without catalyzing it. Out of 5 or 6 cups, the second one in didn’t get MEKP. Damnit… Is there even a chance that the others (one under, and 3 or 4 over) will cause that particular batch to finish curing? The whole thing appears to be “B” staged, now. Do I just keep going and hope for the best, or am I S.O.L.?

Thanks

#2

i’ve did it before and it has worked. I have a couple times sprayed clear gel in a mold without catalyst. I just sprayed another layer on top a little hotter and it was fine

#3

That’s what I did when I caught myself. It’s just that it’s so big (about 35 sq/ft), with so much prep involved and, now, limited time… that I nearly died. I don’t mind mistakes so much, but that could have been a real mother.
Just finished a layer of veil, and all appears well, so far. Going to get a couple layers of mat, then a layer of cloth on it today. A few more layers of bi-axial/double-bias knit cloths and more mat, tomorrow, then let it all sit for two weeks before I try to pop it off.

#4

Red dyed MEKP for the win! Nothing like having a visual reminder that your gelcoat is/isnt catylized.

#5

ive done it… about 2 cups of the top coat on a big layup… came out gooey… ended up cleaning it up and re-spraying the outside, had to sand and polish it down… wasted a few dozen hours too…