Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Gelcoat application

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic7843.aspx

By kornpetpani - 9/19/2013 10:00:52 AM


I've visited a jet-ski factory and I saw that they spray a gelcoat(polyester) on tool surface before  laminating the first layer.

Does anyone know why they need to gelcoat at first ? I thought gelcoat only use for mold making purpose. 

and how is a different between this gelcoat and gelcoat which is used to make a mold ?

Please kindly to help. Discuss
By matthieutje65 - 10/18/2013 12:46:00 PM

Just like Warren said it gives you the possiblity to have some errors and fix them if needed...wouldn't be possible, or very difficult, with only CF. It does as well make the part UV-stable with a good gelcoat.
Keep in mind that it will add some extra weight...and normally if you use CF you aim for the lowest weight... 
So thats why I don't use a gelcoat, just like Wojtepanik... 
Just aim for a perfect result straight out of the mould Wink