Shrinkage

[ian]

I recently GSed a 29g that I had to tear apart and fix a few holes. When I applied the GS to the back paet everything was fine and dandy for the first day or two. Now it is day 4 and the GS has shrunk back a good 3 inches from the corner. I poked holes to let it cure but still shrunk. Any suggestions as to when I go back and touch this in?

[tkromer]

Smaller thinner layers allowed to dry each time won't shrink much. When you put it on thick it tends to shrink up and even curl away on the edges.

[zBrinks]

Accompany the above suggestion with a spray of water while the gs is drying, and shrinking shouldn't be an issue.

[ian]

I did do one, light layer (all that was left in the can). I did this outside but I don't know if that made a difference. Could the heat and humidity play a big part in shrinkage? It was 90+ degrees outside and 86% humidity. My 10g that I did first turned out real well with no shrinkage.

[tkromer]

Heat definitely plays a part in it, I've had fishtanks with major shrinkage when they dried too fast due to hot temperatures. Never paid attention to how humidity affects it, but I'm sure it has some affect.

[ian]

Dang it. I figured it would be a problem. I liked how the GS dried in like a hour and a half but now am regretting it. Oh well, off to fill the holes. Thanks all.