Our low emission premium polyester gel coat delivers superior cosmetics and durability for parts and molds. Choose from traditional gel coats such as white, neutral, and clear, as well as orange or black tooling gel coats. Or choose from over 900 colors! Fibre Glast offers premium low emission polyester color gel coat that can be perfectly matched every time. Whether you select an RAL favorite, or choose one of 730 custom Instint® colors, these gel coats feature high gloss, UV protection, and blister resistance with excellent adhesive properties. These gel coats are also easy to use and easy to repair. All of our gel coats resist UV degradation and water absorption. To learn more about gel coat please visit our Learning Center articles "Gel Coat Application Guide" and "Gel Coat Troubleshooting Guide".
Shop our selection of polyester resins, gel coats, spray guns, and supplies below!
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Tooling Gel Coat is an abrasion resistant gel coat used for fabricating molds when gloss retention, superior...
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Tooling Gel Coat is an abrasion resistant gel coat for making molds where gloss retention, superior hardness,...
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MEKP (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide) is a catalyst used in the composites industry for polyester and vinyl ester...
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Styrene is the recommended thinner when using polyester and vinyl ester resins and gel coats. All polyester and...
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Add Styrene Wax to non-waxed polyester resin and gel coat to prevent the prolonged tackiness associated with thin...
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Fibre Glast's Non-Skid Rubber Additives are ideal for creating a durable, safe, non-skid surfaces. These...
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Our gel coat thickness gauge is the perfect tool for measuring wet mil thickness as you apply your gel coat. It...
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The #134-A 1 Liter High Pressure Gel Coat Spray Gun is ideal for larger repairs and small to medium projects, with a...
Polyester gel coat is a type of surface coating that is commonly used in the production of composite materials. It is a pigmented resin-based material that is either applied to the surface of a mold before the layup of the composite material or used afterward for finishing, refinishing and repair. Here are some key aspects and characteristics of polyester gel coat:
- Surface Finish: Polyester gel coat provides a smooth and glossy surface finish to composite parts. It helps to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the final product and can be formulated to produce various colors and effects.
- UV Resistance: One of the significant advantages of polyester gel coat is its excellent resistance to UV degradation. It acts as a protective layer, shielding the underlying composite material from the harmful effects of sunlight, such as color fading and surface degradation.
- Chemical Resistance: Polyester gel coat exhibits good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents. This resistance helps to maintain the integrity and appearance of the composite part when exposed to various chemical environments.
- Impact Resistance: Polyester gel coat provides some degree of impact resistance to the surface of the composite part. It helps to prevent surface damage, such as cracking or chipping, due to impact or abrasion.
- Adhesion to Substrate: Polyester gel coat is designed to adhere well to the substrate, typically a fiberglass or composite material. This adhesion ensures that the gel coat remains firmly attached to the surface and provides a durable protective layer.
- Application and Curing: Polyester gel coat is typically applied by spraying or brushing onto the mold surface before the layup of the composite material. It cures through a chemical reaction, initiated by a catalyst or promoter, to form a solid and durable coating.
- Thickness: The thickness of the gel coat layer can vary depending on the desired application and requirements. Thicker gel coat layers offer increased surface protection but may require additional time for curing.
- Post-Treatment: Once the gel coat has cured, it may require post-treatment processes such as sanding, buffing, or polishing to achieve the desired final finish and smoothness.
Polyester gel coat is widely used in various industries, including automotive, marine, aerospace, construction, and consumer goods. It provides an attractive and protective surface finish to composite parts, enhancing their appearance, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. However, it is important to follow the guidelines for proper application, curing, and maintenance of polyester gel coat to ensure optimal results.
Proper gel coat application can be a challenge for professionals and is probably the most common problem area for those new to composite work. Save yourself some wasted time and material. Before starting your gel coat project, read through the Gel Coat Troubleshooting Guide in our free online Learning Center, to learn what common problems to avoid.
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