What is Gelcoat?

Gelcoat is a special product composed of polyester or vinylester resins. Formulated as a coating for laminate protection. This product is a material that is often used in the top layer of composite materials. Compatible with glass fiber reinforced plastics, it is generally used to improve the surface appearance quality. It is also applied to ensure outdoor performance.

These products are generally known to be based on epoxy and unsaturated polyester resins. The gelcoat product in liquid form is applied by brush, spraying or airless spraying. It is produced for composite parts to have an aesthetic appearance and to protect them from external influences. Resistant to various weather conditions, reducing the effect of osmosis and providing resistance to external factors are among the features that make the product stand out. This product also responds to the need for coating on various products.

What are the Uses of Gelcoat?

Gelcoat applied on glass fiber has various areas of use. Combined with glass fiber, this product helps to provide a smooth and durable surface. It is a coating product used for boat construction, especially in the marine sector. In general, the usage areas of these products are as follows:

Marine Gelcoats are used in marine applications for coating ship and boat parts. It is a connection system also used in the seats and upholstery of marine vehicles.
Bijouterie items: It is used as a coating for various bijouterie items thanks to its high level of gloss. Examples of these items are key rings, buttons and necklaces.
Automotive sector: Used in vehicle interior upholstery, body parts and roof coverings.
Production of water equipment: It is used in the production of various water equipment due to its chemical, physical and hydraulic resistance. It is especially useful in applications such as sanitary materials, pool elements, water slides, jacuzzis and marine transportation vehicles.
Building sector: It is used in various building applications as it is resistant to sunlight and weather conditions. It is especially useful for roof and facade coatings, floor coverings, insulation and insulation materials. It is also preferred in decoration applications that stand out in the architectural field. It is also used in furniture production, curtain and blind systems, decorative materials and similar architectural projects.

It is also used for specific applications. It therefore effectively meets the coating and bonding needs of various industries. With the developing technology and increasing sectoral needs, gelcoats are produced and presented in different types. This makes the presence of gelcoat in the field of use increasingly widespread.

Gelcoat Applications

Gelcoat applications are common across sectors. An integral part of every boat, this material is one of the most important components of the marine industry in particular. Gelcoats used in repairs and productions give a new and aesthetic appearance to the areas where they are used. It is obvious that these materials are very versatile as they have different application areas. Other different application areas of gelcoats are as follows:

Kitchen worktops
Industrial process equipment
Mold production
Washbasins
Chemical substance tanks
Production of some equipment in the food industry
Front and rear roof panels of buses and trucks
Cabin production
Roof and facade cladding.

There are some issues to be considered before applying this material. Before use, the gelcoat should be gently stirred for 5 minutes. When mixed too much, its thixotropic properties will be damaged and it may not be effective in application areas. For this reason, it is essential to leave it for 4 hours if it is mixed too much.

It should also be applied in thin layers at first to prevent the formation of air bubbles inside and to prevent air bubbles from flowing out. 600-800 microns is the recommended application thickness. Measure the temperature of the working environment and the mold before application. It should not be applied below 18 degrees Celsius. If made at low temperatures, some cobalt can be added for fast gelling and curing.

What are the Types of Gelcoat?

As it is a versatile material, it has different areas of use in different types. Their types differ according to their area of use, composition and properties. The types of this product are:

General purpose gelcoats for standard applications: For polishing and painting applications. Contains thixotropic accelerator. It is generally used in interior decoration materials, windshields, automotive sector and playground applications. It can also be used in garbage and recycling containers.
High performance gelcoats: High performance gelcoat products are produced with accelerating effect and scratch, dulling and chemical resistance. It is used for some equipment that requires durability. Especially useful for applications such as boats, yachts, caravans, windbreakers, lifeboats and kitchen worktops.
Sandable/ Primer gelcoat: Its prominent feature is that it can be sanded by hand or with a vibratory sander. It has a variety of uses and is generally used in applications such as automotive, machine tool and lever making. It is easy to apply as it is generally produced in paste type.
Chemical resistant gelcoats: Produced to resist a variety of chemicals including acids, bases and chlorinated water. Thanks to its water and corrosion resistance, it can be used in various chemical applications. This includes marine gelcoat products.
Flame retardant gelcoats: Flame retardant gelcoat products are generally based on HET acid. Produced for fire, spark and flame risk applications.