Gelcoat

Uses of gelcoat

If you have a boat, then gelcoat is an indispensable product that you should always have in your garage. It is a special type of paint that plays a crucial role in preserving the appearance and service life of your boat. Gelcoat is designed to form the outer protective layer on polyester and fibreglass structures, which is what most boats are made of.

One of the most important functions of gelcoat is its ability to repair and restore the surface of your boat. If the surface has been scratched, damaged, or simply worn down over time, gelcoat can help restore the original finish and ensure that the boat continues to look new and well taken care of. The material thus acts to patch the damage.

Remember to buy hardener for your gelcoat

When investing in gelcoat for the maintenance and repair of your boat, it’s important to remember that not all gelcoat products come with an included hardener. Hardener is an essential component that causes the material to solidify and form the strong, protective layer that is so important to the durability and appearance of the boat.

Gelcoat in its basic form is liquid. To form a solid, durable surface, it must be mixed with a hardener. The hardener starts a chemical reaction that causes the gelcoat to solidify. Without hardener, the material will remain liquid and not form the hard surface needed to protect the boat. You must therefore remember to buy hardener when you buy gelcoat, if it is not already included.

Tip:When working with hardeners, it is better to mix the gelcoat and hardener in small portions. The hardener causes the mixture to solidify in around fifteen minutes.

How to use gelcoat – a brief guide

There are several different steps in the process. Read our brief guide here:

• Preparatory work: To achieve the best results with gelcoat, it is important to prepare the surface thoroughly. The first step is to clean the area to be treated. Remove all dirt and grease that may prevent the material from adhering properly.
  
  
• Sand off the old gelcoat: Once the surface is clean, use sandpaper to remove any remnants of damaged gelcoat. Sanding also helps to create a rough surface to which the gelcoat can adhere.
  
  
• Clean the surface again: After sanding, you need to degrease the surface again. This must be done even if you already did so before sanding. It ensures that there is no remaining grease or oil that can prevent the gelcoat from adhering.
  
  
• Apply the gelcoat: When the surface is completely clean and free of grease, the gelcoat can be applied with a brush, for example. Apply the gelcoat so that it fills in all grooves and irregularities and reaches a level that is a few millimetres higher than the surrounding area.
  
  
• Sand the gelcoat down again: Once you have applied the gelcoat and it has hardened, it needs to be sanded down and polished. This ensures that the new surface is level with the rest of the boat’s surface. Make sure to not scratch or damage the new layer.

If you are in doubt about how to approach the process, it is always a good idea to check with a professional about to use the product.

Order your gelcoat from Biltema – easy online ordering and in-store pick up

Biltema offers a wide range of gelcoat products suitable for all types of boats. All our gelcoat products are of high quality and give your boat a durable and beautiful finish.

Be careful when working with gelcoat

When working with gelcoat, it is important to observe safety precautions, since it is a flammable liquid and vapour that can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.

Therefore, to protect yourself, you should always wear protective gloves and safety goggles when working with gelcoat. You can also use a face mask to protect your respiratory system.

Biltema has a wide range of boat care products

Biltema has a wide range of products for maintenance and repair. Biltema has what you need - from boat paint to freshen up your boat’s appearance and epoxy to repair damage to sealant for ensuring a watertight seal and gelcoat to restore your boat’s surface.

Our range also includes a selection of hull care products, that can help keep your boat’s hull in top shape, as well as various sealing products to ensure that your boat stays sealed and secure.

View all boat care products here

FAQs

What is gelcoat used for?

Gelcoat is applied to the outer layer of fibreglass to give your boat a smooth, high-gloss finish. The material helps seal the surface, and you can use it to repair minor damage such as cracks, scrapes, and scratches.

How is gelcoat used?

To use gelcoat, start by cleaning the surface thoroughly. Then apply a thin coat of gelcoat and allow it dry and harden completely (several coats may be needed). Finally, sand the surface smooth.

Which gelcoat should I choose?

When it comes to choosing a gelcoat, you should look at the colour. It is preferable to choose a gelcoat in the same colour as your boat. You can also choose to tint the gelcoat with dye paste to match the colour.