Components of Gelcoat System

The Resin: The basic ingredient of gel coat is the polyester resin system, which provides the
chemical composition that determines the chemical and physical properties of the gel coat.
glycols.

Pigments: Pigments and their quality determine both the color we see and the color integrity,
which simply means the ability of the color to resist change from exposure to various
environments.

Extenders/Fillers: Extenders provide the gel coat with proper spraying characteristics and
influence the cured physical properties. Thixotrope: Most of the viscosity comes from the
thixotrope. Its purpose is to hold the gel coat on vertical surface, yet allow easy breakup for good
spraying properties.

Accelerators/Promoters: Regulate gel and cure characteristics of the gel coat. Peroxide initiates
the gel coat cure. Although commonly referred to as catalysts, peroxides are initiators.

Note:
Neopentyl Glycol: When the highest possible quality and performance levels are required,
neopentyl glycol is reacted into the isophthalic resin in the proper mole ratio. This raw material
can produce weathering and chemical resistance capabilities superior to resins formulated with
other common glycols

Application:

Pigments (Crystic)
Most polyester gelcoats and resins can be supplied pre-pigmented, but pigment pastes are
available to enable the fabricator to colour to his own requirements.

Crystic polyester pigment pastes are specially formulated for use in polyester gelcoats
and resins and consist of fine pigment powders dispersed in a medium which cross-links
into the base resin during curing.
Recommended addition levels are between 8% and 10% for gelcoats and 4% to 5% for
backing resins.

To ensure colour reproducibility, it is important that all sub-assemblies of multi-

component mouldings are manufactured using the same mix of pigmented material.