Polyester Resins & Gel Coats

Polyester resins are commonly used in the composites industry as a matrix material for fiber-reinforced plastics. These resins are relatively inexpensive and easy to process, making them a popular choice for a wide range of applications, including boat building, automotive parts, and construction materials. They can also be used in the making of solid surface materials and laminates, and for coating and finishing applications. The resins are typically combined with fibers such as glass, carbon, or aramid to create strong, lightweight, and durable composite materials.

Polyester resins can be used to make a variety of products, including:

1. Fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) - commonly used in boat building, tanks, pipes, and other structures.
2. Automotive parts - such as body panels, spoilers, and other exterior parts.
3. Construction materials - including roofing, siding, and window frames.
4. Solid surface materials - used for countertops, sinks, and shower pans.
5. Laminates - used for flooring, wall coverings, and furniture.
6. Coating and finishing - for wood, metal, and other surfaces.
7. Artistic and Industrial Design - for sculpture and other artistic expression, and for industrial molds and prototypes.
8. Adhesive and sealant - for bonding and sealing different types of materials.

These are some of the common uses of polyester resins but there are many others as well, depending on the specific properties of the resin and the application.

Premium polyester gel coats deliver superior cosmetics and durability for parts and molds.

Polyester gel coats are a type of polyester resin that are commonly used as a surface coating in the composites industry. The strengths of polyester gel coat include:

1. Durability: Gel coats are extremely durable and resistant to UV light and weathering, which makes them suitable for outdoor applications.
2. Chemical resistance: Gel coats have good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents.
3. Aesthetics: Gel coats can be pigmented to create a wide range of colors and finishes, and they can be polished to a high gloss.
4. Good mechanical properties: Gel coats have good impact resistance, which makes them suitable for applications where the surface may be subject to impacts.
5. Easy to apply: Gel coats are easy to apply and can be sprayed, brushed or rolled on the surface.
6. Cost-effective: Polyester gel coats are relatively inexpensive compared to other coating options, making them an affordable option for many applications.
7. Versatile: Polyester gel coats can be used in different types of composite products such as boats, tanks, pipes, and other structures, solid surface materials, laminates, and many other applications
8. Good adhesion: Gel coats have good adhesion to the substrate, which helps to keep the composite structure together.

Choose from traditional gel coats such as white, neutral, and clear, as well as orange or black tooling gel coats. 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!