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Industrial Gelcoat: Application Sectors and Technical Features

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Industrial Gelcoat: Application Sectors and Technical Features
Industrial gelcoat is a surface coating formulated with high-quality orthophthalic resins and inert fillers, designed to provide protection, durability and a high-level aesthetic finish to surfaces across a wide range of industrial and technical sectors.

Used primarily in construction and industry, its composition ensures effective protection against chemical agents, abrasion and harsh environmental conditions, increasing the service life of manufactured parts and components.

In this article, you will discover the features, applications and practical tips for making the best use of industrial gelcoat.

Technical Features of Industrial Gelcoat

To ensure maximum performance and durability, gelcoat must have specific and effective technical properties. These features are of great importance to guarantee optimal protection against chemical, mechanical and environmental stress, as well as stable adhesion and long-lasting aesthetic results.

Below are the main technical properties of industrial gelcoat:
  • Good sandability
    This feature is essential for properly preparing the layer before painting, allowing a smooth and high-quality finish.
  • Low linear shrinkage
    The product undergoes low linear shrinkage during polymerisation, thus reducing the risk of deformation or internal stress that could compromise surface flatness and dimensional stability.
  • Ease of application
    Suitable for various application methods—including brush, roller and spray—gelcoat allows fast and uniform coating on different types of surfaces.
The ideal application temperature ranges from 18°C to 25°C for the product, moulds and environment.
The gelcoat is supplied pre-accelerated and must be catalysed with MEKP (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide) at 1.5% to 2%, depending on processing requirements.
The wet film thickness should remain between 0.4 and 0.5 mm (approximately 600–800 g/m²), with slight variation depending on the application method, to ensure optimal coverage without defects.

Application Sectors of Industrial Gelcoat

Industrial gelcoat is a versatile coating used in multiple fields thanks to its high-quality protective and finishing properties. Understanding its specific applications across production and construction sectors is crucial for selecting the most suitable solution for the required technical performance.
Below is an overview of the main sectors in which it is used:
  • Transport and special vehicles
    In the transport sector, gelcoat is mainly applied to components of vehicles such as vans, motorhomes and trailers, where a smooth finish is essential to ensure perfect adhesion to paint layers and mechanical resistance in demanding work environments.
  • Marine industry
    In the marine sector, the product is used for functional rather than aesthetic coatings, such as substrates or concealed components requiring high workability and uniform finishing. The aim is to ensure optimum preparation for subsequent finishing stages, guaranteeing dimensional uniformity and resistance.
  • Construction and prefabricated elements
    In industrial construction, gelcoat is used to coat prefabricated panels, moulds and modular components, ensuring long-lasting protection and finishes resistant to production cycles and environmental exposure.
  • Urban furniture and industrial design
    Used for fiberglass structures that will later undergo finishing or painting. Here, gelcoat plays a key role in ensuring workability and the surface quality required to achieve high aesthetic standards.

Guide to the Use and Maintenance of Industrial Gelcoat

Gelcoat must be applied to clean, dry surfaces, prepared with primer where necessary. Brushes, rollers or spray guns may be used depending on the surface area and complexity.
  • Drying and curing times
    Drying time ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature, with full curing achieved within 24–48 hours. Humidity and temperature significantly influence these times, so working in controlled environments is recommended.
  • Storage and safety
    Gelcoat should be stored in sealed containers, away from heat sources and moisture. During handling, the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks is recommended, avoiding inhalation and prolonged contact.
 
Industrial gelcoat is an essential material for protecting and enhancing a wide range of manufactured products in the construction, industrial and technical fields.
Poly3 Industrial Gelcoat offers high-performance solutions designed to guarantee resistance, longevity and high-quality finishing in every application.

For more information on specific technical features or to customise the product according to your needs, contact us.