What is Fibreglass Flowcoat?

Topcoat, also known as flowcoat is the term used for gelcoat which has had wax solution added to allow it to be used as a finish like gelcoat where it is not possible to use a fiberglass mould. Topcoats contain a low percentage of wax, which is not really soluble in the gelcoat and floats to the surface.

Is fiberglass waterproof without gelcoat?

Fiberglass becomes waterproof once resin is applied and has cured. Prior to applying the resin the fibreglass fabric is not waterproof on its own, while the glass fibers themselves are impermeable to water, the fabric has small gaps between them which water can permeate through.

Does Flowcoat need hardener?

Flowcoat is a lot thicker than gelcoat and is used by both the retail and commercial sectors as it conceals a lot of little defects. Both gelcoat and flowcoat will need a hardener added for it to cure also known as catalyst. Flowcoat will definitely get hotter in the cure stage as it’s thicker.

What does Flowcoat mean?

by The Gunman | Aug 18, 2015 | Videos. Flow Coating is a great way to achieve the best gloss and depth from your paint. The basic process is to paint your panel with base and clear then allow it to cure for at least 3 days then sand it back down and apply a further 2-3 coats of clear.

What is the best paint for Fibreglass?

Acrylic paint adheres well to fibreglass, overcoming one of the main challenges to painting this material. Acrylic paint is less likely to crack and blister, and will hold up well to cleaning.

Can you Fibreglass over gelcoat?

If the surface is already covered with gelcoat, or if the surface is a fiberglass, or polyester resin, then applying gelcoat will be a snap. You want to sand the surface to create a mechanical bond with the gelcoat. Start by sanding the surface with 150 grit or lower sandpaper.

What is the purpose of GelCoat on fiberglass?

Gelcoat is a liquid that hardens to form a thick layer that’s used to protect fiberglass and give it a shiny, smooth finish.

How strong is Fibreglass?

While the exact number for the specific strength of fiberglass varies depending on the specific composite, a good average is about 1,307 kN m/kg. For comparison, stainless steel’s specific strength is 63.1, and titanium is 260.

Can you Flowcoat over Flowcoat?

If it does not lift, the adhesion will be good enough. Painting gloss paint over flowcoat will show up the unevenness markedly, even flowcoat without speckle-paint can look less than workman-like, even with the matt finsh.

Can you thin Flowcoat with acetone?

It is possible to use acetone to thin gel coat, but there is a chance the gel coat will be rubbery or soft. Styrene, on the other hand will promote cross-linking of the resin and catalyst. Do not add more than 10% styrene or acetone by volume. Thinning the gel coat gives it a better flow when spraying.

Can you gelcoat over fiberglass?

Nope! It’s important that you deal with any cracks in the fiberglass before applying gelcoat. You need to have a smooth fiberglass surface before you apply gelcoat.

What kind of paint will stick to fiberglass?

Acrylic Latex Acrylic paint adheres well to fiberglass, overcoming one of the main challenges to painting this material. Acrylic paint is less likely to crack and blister, and will hold up well to cleaning. This water-based paint is easy to apply, and contains fewer chemicals, so is more environmentally friendly.

What’s the difference between gelcoat and flowcoat in fibreglass?

Gelcoat and Flowcoat. Gelcoat is the first layer added to a mould when making a fibreglass part – It is a thixotropic resin which forms the outer layer of the finished part. With the addition of a wax solution, gelcoat becomes flowcoat which will cure in contact with air and thus is used on boat surfaces , GRP roofs etc.

Where to buy gelcoats and flowcoats in the UK?

Here’s a video that explains the difference between gelcoat and flowcoat (topcoat) and whether you can flowcoat on top of flowcoat! East Coast Fibreglass have the UK’s widest range of pre-coloured gelcoats and flowcoats to buy online or by phone with a next day delivery service available.

Do you have to spray gelcoat on fiberglass?

When you’re finished, you shouldn’t be able to see any of the fiberglass underneath the gelcoat. Apply the gelcoat with a gelcoat spray gun if it’s a large fiberglass surface. A gelcoat spray gun will make it easier to get an even coverage on a large fiberglass surface.

What kind of coating is used on fiberglass?

Gel coat is the most common surface coating used in the fabrication and repair of fiberglass reinforced products. Gel Coat is a specially formulated two-part polyester resin that is designed to be the first layer of resin applied in a mold when making a polyester or vinyl ester composite part.