Conductive Coloring Pastes and Gelcoats: Features and Applications

In the composite materials industry, technological requirements are constantly evolving. Today, in addition to mechanical strength, durability and appearance, many applications also require the management of electrostatic charges and specific electrical properties.
This is where conductive gelcoats and coloring pastes come into play—advanced solutions that make it possible to obtain workable surfaces without sacrificing the well-established characteristics of traditional products.

But why use a conductive gelcoat?
And in which contexts do these properties become truly essential?
In this article, we will explore the features of conductive gelcoats, their main applications, and the advantages of conductive coloring pastes.

Conductive Gelcoats

High-quality conductive gelcoat must ensure a precise balance between protective and aesthetic performance, while also providing specific characteristics that make it suitable for applications requiring electrical conductivity. The most relevant include:

1. Reduced electrical resistivity
   The presence of conductive additives lowers surface resistivity, preventing electrostatic charge buildup and reducing the risk of sparks, electric discharges or fires in sensitive environments.
2. Compatibility with polyester and vinylester resins
   These gelcoats are formulated for use with polyester or vinylester resins, guaranteeing excellent adhesion and durable coating performance.
3. Easy application
   Despite containing conductive additives, these gelcoats maintain ideal viscosity for spray or brush application. Standard composite-industry tools can be used.
4. Mechanical and chemical resistance
   They retain the typical properties of high-quality gelcoats: • mechanical resistance • weathering stability • durability even under critical conditions
5. UV protection and weather resistance
   Like traditional gelcoats, conductive gelcoat versions include UV inhibitors that prevent fading and degradation caused by sunlight exposure. They also offer excellent resistance to atmospheric agents in general, and to severe weather in particular.
6. Impeccable aesthetic finish
   Conductive additives do not endanger gloss or surface uniformity: the result is a smooth, hard and shiny finish that meets the aesthetic standards of the product.

Application Sectors

Conductive gelcoats are used in several sectors in which containing or dissipating electrical charges is of crucial importance:

• Marine industry
• Transports
• Healthcare sector
• Renewable energy
• Fiberglass pipelines and fiberglass industrial systems

Conductive Coloring Pastes

Conductive coloring pastes offer a twofold advantage: they make it possible to achieve the desired resin color while helping maintain the functional characteristics required for the final product. They are therefore ideal when functionality cannot be separated from aesthetics.

Main Features of the conductive, black coloring paste:

1. Vinylester-based version available
   Poly3 produces its conductive paste also with a vinylester base, ensuring excellent mechanical and chemical resistance—highly appreciated in industrial, marine and automotive sectors.
2. Electrical conductivity
   The presence of conductive particles ensures the ability to dissipate or transfer electric charges within the compound.
3. Technical black color
   The black color, in addition to meeting aesthetic needs, provides high electromagnetic radiation absorption.
4. Compatibility and stability
   Like all coloring pastes, the conductive version ensures:
   • homogeneous mixing;
   • high compatibility with polyester and vinylester resins
   • pigment stability
   • easy dosing in manual or automated processes

Application Sectors for Conductive Pastes

The combination of conductivity and stable colouration makes these materials versatile and highly performing, and therefore suitable for various sectors including:

• Electronic components
• Automotive
• Marine industry
• 3D printing, modeling and functional prototyping

Why Choose Poly3 for Conductive Solutions

Conductive coloring pastes and gelcoats are indispensable solutions for those working in sectors where electrical safety, performance and aesthetic care must coexist. Poly3 provides its expertise to support companies that require high-technology materials designed to meet specific requirements and advanced applications.

To receive more information or request dedicated technical support, contact us. We will be glad to help you develop your next project.