The gelcoat without wax is used for layups when you want the initial layer of gelcoat to remain tacky to the touch while you're laying reinforcement plies on top in order to create a strong chemical bond in the laminate. If you use unwaxed gelcoat as the finish coating, you must spray PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) over it or use wax paper or some other means to effect a proper cure.

The gelcoat with wax is used for an air dry post-applied application. The wax additive rises to the surface, making a film that creates an air barrier, allowing the final gelcoat layer to cure properly.

IMPORTANT - Do not Apply Gelcoat Directly on TotalFair:

MIXING DIRECTIONSs: NOTE: The higher the percentage of catalyst, the faster the gelcoat will dry. Air and surface temperature will also affect the drying of the gelcoat. The colder the air temperature, the higher the percentage of catalyst you should use.

TotalBoat Gelcoat requires MEKP (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide) catalyst to cure. As with all polyester resin, rate and degree of cure are a function of catalyst concentration and of temperature. Resin and work area should be between 70°F and 95°F to ensure satisfactory results.

At 77°F, TotalBoat Gelcoat requires the addition of 2% MEKP catalyst, by volume: 14-16 drops per ounce, or 2 teaspoons per pint, for a working time of 10-15 minutes. The amount of catalyst may be adjusted in small, incremental amounts, either upward or downward, to account for temperature differences (more for cooler temperatures, and less for warmer temperatures). The acceptable amount of MEKP is 1-3%. Do not use more or less catalyst than this or you may get an improper cure, with laminates exhibiting moderate to severe post cure after demolding. Once cured, the gelcoat can be dewaxed, wet sanded, and buffed.

Tip
If using a wooden mixing stick, place the stick in the resin before adding catalyst so the wood doesn't absorb the catalyst.

Directions for Wax Additive (sold separately)

Wax additive is a mixture of paraffin and styrene. When adding it to gelcoat, you must also add the MEKP catalyst. Wax additive is added to the gelcoat on the final layer of a wet layup to create a tack-free surface that sands easily before applying the finish coating. Wax additive is not needed when additional layers or gelcoat are applied on top. Add 4 oz. of Surface Seal Wax Additive per gallon (20 drops per ounce) of TotalBoat Gelcoat Without Wax. Note that in temperatures below 70°F, the paraffin can solidify in the container. Place the container in the sun or in front of a lamp to liquefy. USE CAUTION - WAX ADDITIVE IS FLAMMABLE!

Wax additive is available in a 4 oz. bottle. Refer to the table in the Tech Specs section for how much wax additive to add to gelcoat without wax. Too much wax additive will result in fish eye and other undesirable results.