Patchaid 970X900 – Gelcoat Spray Patch Additive

Faster, Smoother Gelcoat Spray-Patch Repairs

970X900 Speed PATCHAID is a pre-promoted resin and monomer solution designed to improve pigmented gelcoat during spray-patch repairs. It reduces gelcoat viscosity for easier atomization, helps minimize orange peel, accelerates cure and reduces surface tack. The result is a smoother repair that can be sanded and buffed with less paper loading.

970X900 is resin-based and intended for use with conventional precision touch-up spray guns. It is light stabilized to help minimize weathering and color differences between the original gelcoat surface and the repaired area.

Formerly associated with Cook Composites and Polymers (CCP), this product is also commonly called Cook's Speed Patch, Cook's Patch Aid or CCP 970X900.

Benefits of 970X900 Speed PATCHAID

• Improved sprayability: Lowers gelcoat viscosity for easier application with a conventional touch-up gun.
• Less orange peel: Supports smoother atomization and a flatter repair profile.
• Faster repair cycle: Accelerates gel and cure compared with unmodified patch gelcoat.
• Better surface cure: Reduces surface tack and minimizes sandpaper gumming.
• Easier finishing: The smoother cured patch is easier to sand, compound and buff.
• Low color and light stabilization: Helps reduce visible differences between pigmented gelcoat repairs and the surrounding surface.

Mix Ratio and Catalyst

The standard blend is 70% gelcoat and 30% 970X900 by volume. After combining the gelcoat and PATCHAID, catalyze the complete mixture with the appropriate MEKP.

The manufacturer recommends an MEKP range of 1.5-2.5%, with 2% ideal at 77°F. Do not go below 1.5% or above 2.5%. Gel and cure times vary with the gelcoat, catalyst type, material age, temperature and humidity, so test the actual mixture before spraying the repair.

Application Instructions

1. Identify the repair boundary. When possible, place repair edges near design lines, break lines or other surface features that make the transition less noticeable.
2. Prepare the surface. Sand the repair area with 150-320 grit abrasive. Remove all sanding dust, wax, oil and other contamination using a suitable cleaning process for the gelcoat system. The surface must be clean and dry.
3. Mask the surrounding area. Protect adjacent surfaces from spray and overspray buildup.
4. Mix the PATCHAID. Shake or mildly agitate 970X900 before every use because active ingredients can settle during storage.
5. Measure the blend. Combine 70 parts pigmented gelcoat with 30 parts 970X900 by volume.
6. Add catalyst. Catalyze the complete mixture with the appropriate MEKP at 1.5-2.5%; use 2% at 77°F as the normal starting point.
7. Spray the patch. Apply with a conventional precision touch-up gun. Approximately 25-50 psi may provide acceptable atomization, but final pressure depends on the reduction, gun and setup.
8. Allow a complete surface cure. Wait for the wax to rise and the film to become firm. If a thumbnail leaves an impression or the abrasive gums and loads, allow more cure time.
9. Sand and polish. Begin with 320-400 grit as appropriate for the repair, wet-sand with 600 grit or finer, then compound and buff to restore gloss.

Temperature, Gel Time and Sanding Time

Do not make patches when the air, part or material temperature is below 70°F, because low temperature can interfere with cure. At 77°F with the manufacturer's test catalyst and a typical 70/30 blend, 970X900 has a reported cup gel time of approximately 5-10 minutes.

The manufacturer's table lists a typical sanding time of 45-60 minutes for 970X900 under ideal conditions. Depending on the gelcoat, catalyst, temperature, humidity, airflow and age of the materials, an actual patch may require anywhere from about 30 minutes to two hours or longer before sanding.

Use the cure of the actual film as the deciding factor. A thumbnail should not leave an impression, and sanding should not cause excessive gumming or paper loading.

Product Properties

Property values are typical reference values rather than guaranteed manufacturing specifications. Test the product with the actual gelcoat and process before production use.

Handling and Storage

• Shake or mix 970X900 before each use to reincorporate settled ingredients.
• If the material becomes cloudy after being stored below 70°F, bring it to room temperature and wait for its original appearance to return before mixing and use.
• Reseal the container immediately after use to limit styrene loss and contamination.
• Store in a closed, factory-sealed, opaque container at 73°F or below and away from direct sunlight.
• The manufacturer lists a 90-day shelf life from the date of manufacture under those storage conditions. Higher storage temperatures shorten shelf life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cook's Speed Patch 970X900?

Cook's Speed Patch is a legacy name for 970X900 Speed PATCHAID, now identified in Polynt Composites literature. It is a resin-based additive mixed with pigmented gelcoat to improve sprayability, reduce orange peel, accelerate cure and improve sanding.

How much 970X900 should I add to gelcoat?

The typical blend is 70% pigmented gelcoat and 30% 970X900 by volume. A 100 cc batch uses 70 cc gelcoat and 30 cc PATCHAID before MEKP is added.

How much MEKP does 970X900 require?

The recommended catalyst range is 1.5-2.5% MEKP, with 2% ideal at 77°F. Do not use less than 1.5% or more than 2.5%, and verify gel time with the actual gelcoat and conditions.

Can 970X900 Speed PATCHAID be used with clear gelcoat?

No. 970X900 contains wax, which can haze a clear gelcoat film. It should be used for pigmented gelcoat spray-patch repairs.

How quickly can I sand a 970X900 gelcoat repair?

The manufacturer's typical sanding time for 970X900 is 45-60 minutes under ideal conditions. The actual time may range from about 30 minutes to two hours or longer depending on the gelcoat, catalyst, temperature, humidity and material age.

What spray equipment is used with 970X900?

970X900 is intended for a conventional precision touch-up spray gun. Approximately 25-50 psi may provide acceptable atomization, but the final setup depends on the gun and the mixed material.