Tape-Remove or Leave On

Tug

New member
Question,questions..do you remove and replace the tape after every coat of epoxy and bottom paint or do you leave the tape on until the job is finished.Also can you apply one gallon of epoxy at a time or is it better to do 1/2 gallons/coat. I was thinking on using one gallon/coat of epoxy and applying it thick instead for doing 2/coats/gallon. Thanks Tug
 
We left the tape on until we were done. We applied the epoxy in cold weather (we used the white colored version that can be applied down to 32 degrees. This allowed thick coats each time.
 
Leave the tape on. Don't over apply the epoxy over the tape, just work it to the edges--remember that you don't need thick epoxy at the area above the water line (comonly called the "boot stripe").

You like to lay on about 10 mils of epoxy at a time. (give or take) I have always used a roller, and it sort of picks its own level. I often would mix only a part of what was needed, use than, then mix more. You don't want the epoxy getting too hot in the pot! I would not thicken the epoxy in this case.
 
Thanks for the information about the tape, i am glad i asked because i was going to remove it each time because i thought it might be hard to remove other wise.I beginning to think that i should of bought that epoxy that you can apply in colder weather,it will be middle of May or June before it get near 50-60 C around here.I will put up that plastic enclosure, that will raise the temperature 5-10 C with a small heater.Tug
 
Tug, With regard to cool temp painting you may also want to keep the paint warm or at least room temperature before application time. Enjoy, Hugh
 
You can keep the epoxy warm--but don't heat it behyond room temperature. At some point it will start to raise the temp in the pot as the catalytic reaction continues--and you don't want a pot full of thick epoxy! On the other hand, you do want the temperature high enough for the two parts to react and catalize.
 
I calculated that i need 2.3 gallons of epoxy, i bought 2 gallons.Question is should i buy another gallon of epoxy to be sure i have enough to reach the required mills or is 2 gallons adequate.Also is a 7 inch roller with 3/8 nap the appropriate size roller to use. Thanks Tug
 
Back
Top