Easiest Way to Clean a Gelcoat Gun

In this video, you'll learn how to clean a gelcoat gun perfectly every time. And no, you don't need to take it apart. I go over some of the standard practices that pros use to get excellent results with ease. Check out my other videos on how to fiberglass like a pro, how to spray gelcoat like a pro, and how to make fiberglass molds. Even if you're a beginner you'll find that it's just as easy as it looks. (Note: If you have questions, feel free to ask and I'll answer them as quick as I can. TH-cam finally fixed my comments section.)
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[@jamincorrodi8084]

hands down the best explanation i've seen. noice

[@Mofiac]

Glad you think so!

[@markferrick10]

Great instructions. Thank you

[@akz2037]

Not like a pro, you are the pro

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

Great video buddy.

[@richardhance6224]

Thank you for your advice

[@dieconashi]

You are the man. Thank you.

[@Mark-gg6iy]

15 yrs one gun says it all

[@thefollowerofyahuahelohim]

What nozzle size is recommended for PVA and Gelcoat?
What is the setting for Air n PVA or Gelcoat mix during spraying?

[@Mofiac]

Best size for pva is a mini spraygun with standard aircap, nozzle, and needle. The one I use is the Star HVLP mini with a 0.8mm aircap, nozzle, and needle. You can use a regular size hvlp with a 1.1mm . Spray a light coat, let it shine off, then spray a second coat. If you try 2 coats right away, it will run or fisheye.

[@markkencity3717]

Very fast cleaning, sadly i can't use this method because i don't have decent ventilation or paintshop at work.

[@Mofiac]

The painting could be done outside if needed.

[@markkencity3717]

@@Mofiac we have winter here :P

[@trevorhanlon-eb4vc]

Great job, im surprised you dont open the nozzle and clean it ? cheers

[@Mofiac]

Thanks, the backwash cleans the nozzle really good. I always leave it stored with acetone in it just in case there's a little bit of gelcoat stuck in the nooks and crannies. When I go to use it again, I'll squeeze the trigger to see if there's any color that drains. It always runs clear.

[@josephwhitehead1692]

How do you prevent the acetone from running out of the nozzle of the gun? I tried this method and while it worked, there is a steady stream of acetone running out of my nozzle.

[@Mofiac]

If acetone still runs out the nozzle after letting go of the trigger, it means there's something stopping the needle from seating against the aircap. Could be one or more of the following: weak needle spring, needle packing nut too tight, debris in the nozzle, needle wrong size for the nozzle. It's usually the packing nut is too tight. Loosen it until the needle slides freely and retighten by hand . It only needs to be snug so it doesn't leak above the trigger.

[@josephwhitehead1692]

@@Mofiac I’m not well versed in paint gun terminology. What do you mean when you refer to the packing nut? The gun is brand new, only used a couple of times so the spring should be good.

[@josephwhitehead1692]

@@Mofiac never mind, I’m the dumbo. I’d bought the HVLP gun from harbor freight to experiment with, because it’s $15 as opposed to $80 for the other one. In the process of cleaning both guns, I got the needles mixed up so the 1.4 needle was in the 2.5 gun. Swapped them over, problem solved.

[@dogsforever5707]

Can you use isopropyl alcohol instead of acetone?

[@Mofiac]

No, not compatible with polyester based resins and gel coats.

[@danny_mills]

I watched the video where you sprayed the panel.
Did you mis calculate the film thickness?
There is no way that film is 18 to 20mm thick?
1.8 to 2.0mm possibly?
Best regards,
Danny.

[@Mofiac]

18-24 mils (thousands of an inch).
In millimeters it's under 1.0mm. Hope that helps

[@T3glider]

Three letters ... PPS!

[@johnhall20]

What gun and nozzle are you using?

[@Mofiac]

The spraygun is made by Star, but I changed the aircap and needle to a 1.8. If you can get one with a 2.2 aircap and needle, you'll find works better.

[@kenwhittle414]

Just wondering why don't you just put the lid back on? save blowing over and clean lid at same time.

[@Mofiac]

It means I'd be juggling 3 things at once -- the lid, the brush, and the gun. The brush is faster to just drop in instead of having to screw on/off the lid each time I add more acetone. Also, the air reentry through the nozzle is limited by the size of the breather hole in the lid so it actually cleans a lot better without the lid. And finally, when you do backwash sometimes the acetone shoots out the breather hole on the lid and there's a real risk of having your eyes filled with dirty acetone. Hope that clarifies it alittle.

[@emrage]

Where do you throw the acetone, gelcoat away?

[@Mofiac]

I let it sit in a metal can with a loose fit metal lid until the acetone evaporates. The gelcoat dries out and crumbles. Then I toss in regular garbage.

[@popsoldboats3406]

Just curious if the one and only thumbs down you got is from some one that followed the manufacturer direction and had to throw a gun away?

[@Mofiac]

Could be. But I've even restored a gun from someone who used gelcoat but didn't bother to clean it. Soaked it in toluene and lacquer thinner overnight and then took it apart...let it soak for a week longer before cleaning it with acetone. All it needed was a new seal kit and it works like new. 👍