What Are the Effects of Overdosing Gel Coat Curing Agents?

Overdosing gel coat curing agents accelerates gel time, leading to increased pinholes and bubbles. However, excessive amounts can also result in incomplete curing, making the cured coat brittle and prone to delamination risks.

Avoid both over-catalyzation and under-catalyzation. Excess curing agents can soften gel coats, reducing water resistance, accelerating chalkiness, and promoting corrosion. Poorly cured gel coats are brittle and prone to degradation over time. Recommended curing agent dosages range from 1.2% to 3% (optimal at 1.8% at 77°F or 25°C) MEKP (9% active oxygen concentration).