Hi,

I was wondering what is the difference(s) between tooling gelcoat and "regular" gelcoat, vinylester or epoxy.

I tried to find some informations on the web, but did not see anything special. English is not my main language so I'm prolly missing some keywords... And since I'm curious, i wont sleep well until I know

 



 


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Gelcoat usually referes to polyester group of resins. Tooling gelcoat cures to a much harder surface than regular gelcoat. Therefore it can be polished to a higher luster. I believe it is also more brittle but that is OK for a mold because you will not flex the mold, you will the part. Regular gecoat is meant for parts, it is less brittle. Both polyester gelcoats can be had in spraying or a thicker brushing form. Polyester is the cheapest resin. Epoxy is the most expensive . Its not really referred to as gelcoat but as a surface coat. It is not sprayed because of the vicosity and health danger. ( to the best of my knowledge any way)   

Hope this helps some what.

Fred 

Hi Fred,

Maybe product names and descriptions differ from region to region but as far as I'm aware, it's just as conventional to refer to an epoxy or vinylester 'gelcoat' as it is a polyester gelcoat. Of course polyester gelcoats are far more common in the wider composites industry because the bulk of what's getting made is still 'bucket and brush' polyester resin and glass so if someone just says 'gelcoat' out of context then my guess would be that they mean polyester but without asking it could certainly be vinylester or epoxy, particuarly if it's a tooling gelcoat (epoxy gelcoats for parts are very rare).

From a health point of view I think I'd rather spray epoxy than polyester but yes, epoxies are thicker and epoxy tooling gels are thicker yet and so would almost always be brushed or rollered.

--Matt

Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales

Hi Matt

Yes your right, gelcoat is kind of generic hear in Canadian snow country.

My concern with spraying epoxy is the sensitivity issue that epoxy has. I am sure polyester isn't good for you either but it doesn't have that same sensitivity danger. Once your body is sensified to epoxy, you can break out in all kinds of skin issues with just the slightest exposure. But if gloves are worn and common sense safety is observed it is safe.  

Fred