Gelcoat, Fiberglass Gelcoat

Category: Gelcoat

Usage: Manufacture of high-quality surface lamination FRP composite tooling.

Description: Gel coat features good strength, hardness, tenacity, low shrinkage,
excellent waterproof, heat resistance, wear resistance, good weather ability, and
finished FRP product with good transparency, suitable for hand layup process FRP
model surface protection layer. Gelcoat is a resin system that is filled with colorants and
thickening agents and applied to a mold surface to form the cosmetic and weathering
coating of a composite part. Gel coat is typically the first layer of a part to be applied.
Correct application of gelcoat is critical to get the optimum performance from it.

Gelcoats are based on a thermoset resin that requires an initiator and proper
temperatures to cure thoroughly. Incomplete cure will result in poor durability of the
gelcoat. This is often witnessed as premature fading, dulling of the gelcoat surface, or
chalking. There are 3 variables that affect proper cure: temperature, film thickness, and
initiator level.

Temperatures should be between 60-80 degrees F. with an optimum
range being between 70-75F. We like to use an infrared thermometer to check the
temperature of the mold surface and gelcoat. We use the infrared and a wall
thermometer to check the ambient temperature of the workspace.

Keep in mind that molds stored in areas that are not climate controlled may not reach room temperature
for quite some time. Gelcoat should be initiated (catalyzed) to set up to the point that
you can touch it with a glove and not have it come up on your finger in 45-60 minutes
from application.

Generally speaking and depending on the temperature a catalyst ratio
of between 1.2% to 3% will give you the proper cure rate. At 77F 1.8% MEKP will
provide a gel time of 10-17 minutes. Keeping good notes will help you build a database
of initiator levels for temperatures that you encounter frequently. Gelcoat that is
over-initiated can result in excessive shrinking and premature release from the mold.

Tags: Gelcoat Price in Dhaka Bangladesh, Polyester
resin, FRP, Hardener, MEKP, Catalyst, Fiberglass, Mold Making.

Video link: https://youtu.be/EFz7B705o2Y