In the composites industry, colour is far more than an aesthetic feature. The pigmentation of a gelcoat plays a crucial role in the perceived quality of the finished component, a product’s brand recognition over time, and the ability of the surface to retain its original appearance even in demanding operating environments.
In this article, we explain why gelcoat pigmentation is a key element of gelcoat formulation, how Poly3 develops custom gelcoat colours starting from a fiberglass sample, and which additional formulation options can be implemented to make the product meet specific application requirements.
Starting from a fiberglass sample or colour specifications, we develop custom gelcoats that can also be optimised for viscosity, curing behaviour, pigmentation and functional performance. Depending on the final application, formulations can include enhanced chemical resistance, improved mechanical properties, anti-slip performance, superior adhesion or specific surface finishes.
Our objective is to supply a high-performance gelcoat that integrates seamlessly into your manufacturing process while delivering consistent quality, precise colour matching and long-term durability.
If you need to match an existing colour or develop a custom gelcoat for your composite application, contact the Poly3 technical team to discuss the most suitable solution for your project.
In this article, we explain why gelcoat pigmentation is a key element of gelcoat formulation, how Poly3 develops custom gelcoat colours starting from a fiberglass sample, and which additional formulation options can be implemented to make the product meet specific application requirements.
Why Gelcoat Pigmentation Matters
Selecting the right colour for a gelcoat is not simply a design decision. A carefully engineered pigmentation process contributes to:- Ensure colour consistency across different production batches and components
- Strong brand identity and product recognition
- Reduced rejects and rework caused by colour variations
- Higher perceived quality of composite parts
- Improved resistance to UV exposure, weathering and chemical agents
How We Develop a Custom Gelcoat Colour
At Poly3, every custom gelcoat is developed through a controlled formulation process designed to ensure colour accuracy and repeatability.- Sample Evaluation
We provide customers with clear guidelines for submitting a representative sample, including recommended dimensions, surface finish and sample condition. - Spectrophotometric Colour Analysis
The sample is analysed using spectrophotometric devices to obtain precise colour coordinates. These measurements form the basis of the initial gelcoat colour matching formulation. - Laboratory Formulation
Our technical team develops and fine-tunes the pigment blend while incorporating any additional functional requirements, including:- UV resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Anti-slip properties
- Surface performance
- Other application-specific characteristics
- Pilot Batch and Validation
Pilot batches are produced and subjected to accelerated ageing and quality tests to verify colour consistency, stability and overall performance before production. - Technical Support
Along with the finished formulation, we provide technical data sheets, production guidelines and ongoing support for future colour re-matching if manufacturing conditions change.
Benefits of Custom Gelcoat Colour Matching
Choosing a custom colour gelcoat offers several advantages for composite manufacturers.- Accurate Colour Matching
The combination of precision colour measurement and formulation expertise enables us to reproduce existing colours or develop completely new custom shades with high accuracy. - Batch-to-Batch Consistency
Strict production controls ensure reliable colour consistency across manufacturing batches, reducing visual differences between successive productions. - Tailored Gelcoat Formulation
Beyond pigmentation, every gelcoat formulation can be customised according to specific processing and performance requirements, including:- Viscosity
- Reactivity
- Mechanical performance
- Surface finish
- Application behaviour
Looking for a Custom Gelcoat?
Whether you need to reproduce an existing colour or develop a completely new custom gelcoat, Poly3 formulates solutions tailored to the technical requirements of your application.Starting from a fiberglass sample or colour specifications, we develop custom gelcoats that can also be optimised for viscosity, curing behaviour, pigmentation and functional performance. Depending on the final application, formulations can include enhanced chemical resistance, improved mechanical properties, anti-slip performance, superior adhesion or specific surface finishes.
Our objective is to supply a high-performance gelcoat that integrates seamlessly into your manufacturing process while delivering consistent quality, precise colour matching and long-term durability.
If you need to match an existing colour or develop a custom gelcoat for your composite application, contact the Poly3 technical team to discuss the most suitable solution for your project.