Quote Originally Posted by Gelcoater View Post
Good morning, Steve.
First post on HB, and I'm a computer moron so I hope this sticks.

You've covered a lot here so I'll try to hit as much as I can.
First, your idea of mechanical bond is wrong.
It is indeed a chemical bond. The gel and resin are essentially the same product but the gel is a bit more refined and has pigments to make color. It also has a thicotipic element added to keep it from sagging/drooping when applied.

Gelcoat is air inhibited, it won't completely dry on top unless it has a surface agent added.
It's this way on purpose to aid in that secondary bond you were right about.
As far as a "window of time" to apply the glass I don't think I buy that.

The gel would prerelease from the mold before that happened. That would cause the boat to come out of the mold looking warped because the gel wasn't tight to the mold where ever it released.

As far as this checking you describe I'm not sure exactly what you mean?
Can you post a few close up pics?
Im anxious to sit/read/learn... Thanks for joining in this discussion and WELCOME to HB!!!