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Fiberglass Boat application (also “Gel Coat”)

Print Application

Equipment

  • 2 stipple roller sleeves per gallon (Included with purchase of textured gallon) or short nap roller, like a 3/16” mohair or similar for a smooth application.
  • 40 grit Sandpaper
  • Xylene (Xylol) OR Solvide
  • Stir stick or electric paint mixer
  • Roller Tray
  • Cloth or sturdy cotton rag
  • Paint Gloves
  • Household non-chlorinated detergent, like Spic n Span
  • 3M Blue tape (Optional)
  • Paint Respirator (Optional)

Surface Prep

  • Clean the surface thoroughly, with a non-chlorinated household detergent
  • Rough up the surface with 40 grit sandpaper
  • Wipe down the surface with Solvide or xylene on a cloth and once completely dry, apply the Durabak.
  • NOTE: On laminated resin a primer is required, or best to re-fiberglass it.

Application Process

  • Do not open can until surface is prepped and ready to go.
  • Then open can and stir well.
  • Pour a portion into a roller tray and begin application.
  • Roll on first coat of textured using Durabak stipple roller sleeve, or a short nap roller for the smooth Durabak.
  • Use a paint brush in corners and hard to reach areas.
  • Stir occasionally while working with the product.
  • Keep lid on can while not in use.

Coverage

1 gallon of smooth Durabak covers roughly 75-80 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

1 gallon of textured Durabak covers approximately 60 square feet in our standard 2 coat application.

Good to Know

  • Durabak begins to cure with exposure to air, so minimize exposure to air while working with it. Durabak is MOISTURE CURED so in High Humiidity the work time and dry time will be substantially shorter.
  • The consistency of the Durabak should be runny, as it’s self leveling. If it’s thicker, you can add up to 15% xylene to thin it. It should be mixable after adding the xylene and back to a runny form. If it’s pasty and thick, DO NOT APPLY, rather reach out to us for assistance.
  • You will have a few hours of work time once the can is opened (3 to 5 hours normally).
  • A second coat can be applied after 1-2 hours, once the first coat is touch dry.
  • After second coat is applied allow 24 hours before walking on it. Complete cure is about 5 or 6 days, so no heavy use until then.
  • When applying Durabak it is important to ensure that each coat does not get too thick. If Durabak is applied in a coat that is too heavy it will trap the curing gasses and leave pinholes which will eventually lead to discoloration in the Durabak.

  • Be sure to apply moderately thin coats of the Durabak and as a guide you should be getting coverage similar to what is laid out above.

Additional Tips

  • Temp should ideally be 60 degrees or above for the application, and above 40% humidity.
  • Xylene should be applied immediately to clean up any misapplied Durabak.
  • If taping off, use 3M Blue tape and remove immediately after second coat is applied.
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