What is a potential outcome of using too much catalyst in gel coat?

Using too much catalyst in gel coat can lead to a condition known as pre-release. When an excessive amount of catalyst is added, it can accelerate the curing process to a point where the gel coat hardens too quickly, preventing proper adhesion to the substrate. This can create a scenario where the gel coat separates from the surface before it has fully cured, resulting in defects that compromise the overall finish and performance of the composite structure. Therefore, controlling the catalyst ratio is crucial to achieve a proper cure and ensure the integrity of the gel coat layer.

In contrast, while some may think that adding more catalyst could enhance durability or improve curing time, these effects are not reliably achieved as too much catalyst can lead to premature curing and weak adhesion, which ultimately undermine durability and overall quality.