If you come across a gelcoat for sale, this is what it is, you should certainly be interested. This material is used to obtain high-quality finish on the surface of a composite material that is reinforced with fiber. A number of common gelcoats are made on the basis of unsaturated or epoxy polyester resins.
general description
The described materials act as a modified resin, which is applied in a liquid state to the matrix. After the hardening process is completed, polymers are formed that have crosslinking. At the next stage, reinforcement is carried out with a composite polymer base, as a rule, with a mixture of fiberglass and polyester resin or epoxy resin with carbon fiber or fiberglass. If you are interested in gelcoat, what is it, you can read in this article. It is used to obtain a glossy colored surface that can improve the appearance of products and their aesthetic qualities. Quite often, sea vessels and large yachts are made using composite materials, while the outer layer, which consists of gelcoat, has a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 millimeters.
Material Features
If you decide to purchase a gelcoat, what is it, it will be important to know before making a purchase. In order to provide more impressive stability to hydrolysis and exposure to sunlight, special varieties of the described material are developed, which have higher physical and mechanical properties. Specialized varieties can be used to form the matrix, which are used to manufacture the products themselves. This area of use implies a high level of strength, which will be sufficient to overcome thermal and mechanical stresses. The latter arise during the rejection of composite surfaces, as well as the removal of products from the matrix. If you are considering gelcoat, what it is, it will be important to know. It can be made from resins that have a different origin. However, materials made from epoxy resins and unsaturated polyesters are considered the most common.
Main characteristics
If you decide to buy a gelcoat, the application of which was described above, it is important to familiarize yourself with the main qualitative characteristics, among them impressive physical and mechanical qualities, as well as resistance to ultraviolet radiation, moisture and many environmental factors can be distinguished. Pigments and premium base resin are used in the manufacture. The gelcoat also has a low emission of harmful components. For various applications on sale you can find a wide list of this product.
Application features
The gelcoat, the properties of which are described in the article, contains some dangerous components of the type of styrene. It can cause an allergic reaction. It is important to consider before use that the material is flammable and harmful to inhalation, as it irritates the respiratory system, eyes and skin. It is important to note that gelcoat can cause serious harm to health if its vapors are inhaled for a long time. The master should keep the material as far away as possible from sources of ignition, not smoke during use, try not to inhale the vapors, and in case of contact with eyes, rinse them with plenty of running water and consult a doctor. Before application, wear protection on the face and eyes, as well as gloves. Use the material exclusively in well-ventilated areas. In case of fire, it is recommended to use foam, water spray, dry chemicals, water fog.
Recommendations for use
If you come across a gelcoat for sale, why do you need such material, you can read in the article. Before use, you can familiarize yourself with the rules of use. Thus, the temperature of the material and equipment should not exceed 25 degrees, but should not fall below +18 degrees. If the temperature is too low, then the curing step will not be successful. This may cause defects. Before use, the material should be mixed in a container, and then place the necessary amount in a container, the volume of which will be sufficient to add 2% of the catalyst. The ingredients after mixing must be thoroughly mixed. Gelcoat should be applied with a brush in two layers, this should be done with extreme caution in order to get even layers without bubbles and dents. Between layers it is important to wait for the curing time.
Features of applying spray gelcoat
On sale you can find a gelcoat designed for spraying. It is important to apply several thin layers without waiting for the previous one to dry. In this case, the sprayer must be set to the lowest pressure, providing a nozzle with a small diameter. Between application of the layers, it is important to wait about 4 minutes to release air. The final thickness of the gelcoat will be 0.8 millimeters.
Gelcoat Varieties
Gelcoats, presented by manufacturers in many varieties, used as the outer color layer, are not the only option. Substances according to the method of application can be divided into internal and external, the first of which are called polyester enamels. Another variety is topcoats, which are applied inside the body made of fiberglass. This makes the surface even more attractive. A similar substance passes quickly through the hardening stage, since wax is added to its ingredients during the manufacturing process.
Conclusion
The gelcoat, the properties whose types were described in the article, can be purchased by you in the store of the corresponding goods. It is important not only to choose the right material, guided by the instructions on the packaging, but also to responsibly approach the application phase.