What is Gelcoat!?

Question

What is Gelcoat!?

Answer 1

Gelcoat is a resin mixture used as a surface coating of FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) products.

It can be applied as a face coat in the mold prior to the lay-up procedure or applied after the part is produced.

It is used to to improve the durability of components. To protect the laminate from the environment. To reduce fibre pattern. To provide a smooth aesthetic finish and

to eliminate the need for painting.

Answer 2

Nobody answered you correctly although david was very close.

Certainly it is the outside finish you see when you walk up to a boat...that is...a boat that hasn't been painted.

Historically... and in about 90% of todays production boats, the gelcoat is POLYESTER resin. The other 10% is now made up of VINYLESTER which is proving to be more water resistant than polyester. The gelcoat is a mixture of these resins and pigments. It is applied to the inside of the polished mold prior to laying up the laminate schedule...thus forming the outside layer.

There has not been any epoxy based gelcoats as these would need painting and UV protection on the exterior.

So far epoxy is only used within the laminate behind one of the two gelcoats mentioned above....or without gelcoat and finished with paint.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

gelcoat is a chemical hardener and sealant of resin

Answer 4

Gelcoat is a sealant and protectant used for fiberglass. It creates a hard, smooth outer layer on the fiberglass that is more resistant to wear & the elements than the fiberglass itself, and allows you to get a smooth, glossy paint finish on fiberglass.

Answer 5

it like clear coat on a car

Answer 6

Gelcoat is the cured resin (usually epoxy or polyester resin) which is on the outside of a fiberglass (AKA GRP, for glass reinforced plastic) boat.    When the boat is made, this resin is the first layer on the mold and is then followed by more resin and glass fiber which provide the strength and bulk of the hull.   When the mold is removed after curing, the resin gelcoat layer is on the outside of the boat and provides a nice smooth surface.      The liquid resin can be pigmented so the gelcoat is actually colored and it won't scratch or flake off the way paint can.   However, with time, the gelcoat dulls from the sun and other effects.