Chaz Hickcox Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 Hey all, just a quick question. I filled some gouges in my clear coat with Marine Tex Putty today and I forgot to check the weather. It's supposed to drop to 47* tonight. Is that going to cause any serious issues, or will it just mean it will take longer to cure? Thanks in advance. Quote
Super User Long Mike Posted May 1, 2011 Super User Posted May 1, 2011 It will take a bit longer to cure. I wouldn't worry about it. Give it an extra day before you start to work with ir. Quote
BassThumb Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 In cool conditions, how long before it can be submerged? I ask because I have a repair that I need to make soon. It's a scratch that was caused by a screw at the top of the wheel well bunk. The boat slid down against this screw and it caused a pretty nasty gouge that isn't quite deep enough to reach the glass, but it's close. The scratch is an inch below the waterline, and I can't reach it to make repairs with the boat on the trailer. I plan on beaching the boat sideways for a few days on the soft sand of a friend's beach so I can do the repair, then I'll cover the Marine Tex with cellophane while it cures. I'm just wondering how long I have to keep the boat there. It's been really windy at times lately and I'm worried about the boat grinding on the beach. Thanks Quote
Super User Fishing Rhino Posted May 1, 2011 Super User Posted May 1, 2011 Which version of Marine Tex are you using? Quick set takes one hour to cure. The regular Marine Tex takes 24 hours to full cure at a constant 72 degrees, longer if it's cooler. The info before was taken from tneir web site. CURE TIME: 24 hours at a constant temperature of 72F. Lower temperatures will create longer cure times. It is not recommended to apply the product in temperatures below 55F. Quote
BassThumb Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 On 5/1/2011 at 7:59 AM, Fishing Rhino said: Which version of Marine Tex are you using? Standard gray putty, not the Rapid Set stuff in a tube. Quote
Chaz Hickcox Posted May 1, 2011 Author Posted May 1, 2011 On 5/1/2011 at 7:59 AM, Fishing Rhino said: Which version of Marine Tex are you using? Quick set takes one hour to cure. The regular Marine Tex takes 24 hours to full cure at a constant 72 degrees, longer if it's cooler. The info before was taken from tneir web site. CURE TIME: 24 hours at a constant temperature of 72F. Lower temperatures will create longer cure times. It is not recommended to apply the product in temperatures below 55F. Thats why I am asking. Quote
Super User Fishing Rhino Posted May 2, 2011 Super User Posted May 2, 2011 Suicidenemesis, my reply was meant for Bass Thumb. I should have quoted his post. You finished your job, and I doubt you'll have a problem. Below certain temps, the stuff will eventually cure, but low temps may also affect the bond. Quote
Super User South FLA Posted May 2, 2011 Super User Posted May 2, 2011 warm it up and the surface where you are applying it to with a hair dryer. Quote
Chaz Hickcox Posted May 2, 2011 Author Posted May 2, 2011 On 5/2/2011 at 10:28 AM, Fishing Rhino said: Suicidenemesis, my reply was meant for Bass Thumb. I should have quoted his post. You finished your job, and I doubt you'll have a problem. Below certain temps, the stuff will eventually cure, but low temps may also affect the bond. No worries Tom. I was hoping you'd chime in anyways. I like hearing from the experts in glass on the subject. I moved the boat to be over some slanted concrete trying to get some radiant heat on it during the day. I think it's working. How will I know when I can sand it down? Right now the surfaces seem fairly solid and if I tap them it makes the same sound as the rest of the gel coat around it. Thanks in advance. Quote
Super User Fishing Rhino Posted May 3, 2011 Super User Posted May 3, 2011 To test if it's ready for sanding, give it a quick wipe with acetone on a paper towel or rag. It's not uncommon for repairs such as this to have parts that tend to feel gummy. Usually acetone cleans off the gummy residue, leaving a clean dry surface to be finished. Give it a wipe, then feel the surface. If it feels solid, you're probably good to go. Try lightly sanding an area. Epoxy isn't quite as hard/brittle as fiberglass resin. It will plug the paper more quickly. Are you going to paint over the repair, or are you going to sand then buff to a gloss? If it's the latter, use wet or dry paper, no coarser than 600 grit. Start with the 600, and finish with 1000 or 1200 grit. Use plenty of water, and rinse the area frequently. One bit of grit between the sandpaper and the surface can ruin your work. The finer paper you use, the less buffing you'll need. Quote
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