Search results for: 'Ins'

Polyester vs Vinyl Ester Resin: Understanding the Differences Choosing the correct resin is one of the most important decisions in fiberglass lamination. Polyester and vinyl ester resins are both widely used in open molding, hand lay-up, and spray-up applications, but they offer different performance, durability, and cost characteristics. Understanding how these resin systems differ will help you select the right material for your project, environment, and performance requirements. ...

CMS homepage content goes here.

Welcome to Fiberglass Florida! For over 30 years, Fiberglass Florida has been your trusted source for all things fiberglass. Whether you’re embarking on a small project or a large-scale endeavor, we provide everything you need to achieve success. Our extensive inventory includes epoxies, resins, gel coats, fiberglass knits and wovens, and the renowned AwlGrip paints, ensuring you have the right materials for any job. Our expertise extends across multiple industries, including boat building...

Customer Service Method of Payment Freight Terms Ordering Returns What to do if your package arrives damaged Special Orders Returned Checks Limitation of Liability Warranties Sales Tax Method of Payment We accept Visa, MasterCard or PayPal. You can also mail us a check. Please do not send cash. Freight Terms All orders are shipped prepaid and freight added or LTL COD. Customer may supply their U...

 

TERMS OF SERVICE ---- OVERVIEW This website is operated by Fiberglass Florida. Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Fiberglass Florida. Fiberglass Florida offers this website, including all information, tools and services available from this site to you, the user, conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies and notices stated here. By visiting our site and/ or purchasing something from us, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be ...

FAQ Section We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions we receive about resins, fiberglass, gelcoat, surfboard building, and marine repair. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, head over to our Technical Support page for step-by-step guides and deeper technical resources. Help Center   ...

Fiberglass Florida Site Map Awlgrip Paint Gelcoats Epoxy Resins Polyester Resins Fiberglass Cloth Pour Foam Mold Making Resin Pigments Tools & Accessories Contact Us About Us

Fiberglass Florida – Core Material Comparison Chart Compare our most popular core materials including Coosa, Divinycell, AirCell, and Honeycomb foam. Use this chart to choose the right material for your application based on strength, weight, water resistance, and compatibility with resin systems. Material Density (lb/ft³) Water Absorption Screw Retention Best Used For Resin Compatibility Coosa Bluewater 20–32 Very Low Excellent Transoms, stringe...

Gelcoat: What It Is, How It’s Used, and How to Repair It Gelcoat is the outermost protective and cosmetic layer used on fiberglass parts. Understanding how gelcoat works — and how to apply or repair it correctly — is critical to achieving long-lasting performance and professional results. What Is Gelcoat? Gelcoat is a pigmented polyester or vinyl ester resin applied to the surface of fiberglass parts. It creates a smooth, high-gloss finish while protecting the underlying laminate from wat...

Fiberglass & Gelcoat Technical Support Fiberglass and gelcoat work demands the right materials, proper technique, and an understanding of how each layer in the system works together. Whether you’re making repairs, building a mold, or producing parts, Fiberglass Florida provides technical guidance built on real-world experience. Our team supports professionals and serious DIY builders working with polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy systems. We help you select compatible products, apply them corre...

Mold Building & Tooling Technical Support Building a high-quality fiberglass mold requires more than just materials — it requires proper surface preparation, correct tooling products, and disciplined process control. Fiberglass Florida provides hands-on technical guidance for professional mold builders, boat repair yards, and composite manufacturers using proven composite tooling methods focused on surface quality, dimensional stability, and long-term mold performance...

Open Molding & Lamination Technical Support Open molding and hand lay-up remain some of the most widely used fiberglass manufacturing methods in marine, industrial, and composite fabrication. Successful lamination depends on selecting the correct laminating resin and understanding how resin formulation, processing behavior, and cure characteristics affect the finished composite part. What Are Laminating Resins? Laminating resins are polyes...

Hand Laminating & Spray-Up Technical Support Hand laminating and spray-up are two of the most common open molding processes used in fiberglass fabrication. While both methods rely on similar materials, success depends on understanding the differences in application technique, resin behavior, and process control. At Fiberglass Florida, we provide technical support to help fabricators, repair yards, and builders choose the right laminating method and materials for their project — a...

Vacuum Infusion Technical Support Vacuum infusion is a closed-mold composite manufacturing process used to produce high-quality fiberglass laminates with precise resin control, improved fiber ratios, and reduced emissions. When set up correctly, infusion delivers consistent, strong, and lightweight parts with excellent surface quality. At Fiberglass Florida, we provide technical support for vacuum infusion projects ranging from small custom parts to large marine and industrial structure...

Preparing Gelcoat for Awlgrip Paint Systems When applying Awlgrip or Awlcraft coatings over fiberglass boats, proper preparation of existing or new gelcoat is critical for long-term adhesion and finish quality. Most adhesion failures in marine paint systems occur because of poor surface preparation rather than product failure. Why Gelcoat Preparation Matters Before applying Awlgrip systems the gelcoat surface must be: Free of wax and contamination Properly sanded to ...

Boat Restoration Technical Support Guide Last updated: February 2026 Boat restoration is the process of repairing, rebuilding, and refinishing fiberglass boats to restore structural integrity, appearance, and long-term performance. This technical support guide serves as a master reference for understanding materials, repair methods, and best practices used in modern fiberglass boat restoration. This page is designed as a living knowledge base. Each section below will continue ...

Awlcraft 3000 Technical Support Guide Awlcraft 3000 is a professional-grade, two-component polyurethane marine topcoat designed for high-gloss yacht finishes. This guide covers mixing ratios, spray setup, film thickness, drying times, repairs, maintenance, and common contractor questions. If you are spraying Awlcraft 3000 and need technical clarity, this is your complete support resource. What Is Awlcraft 3000? Short Answer: Awlcraft 3000 is a buffable, repairable, high-gloss p...

Awlgrip & Marine Paint Technical Support Awlgrip systems are precision coatings where surface preparation, product selection, and application technique all matter. We help painters and boat owners achieve consistent, professional results. This section focuses on system compatibility, proper sequencing, and real-world application guidance for Awlgrip, Awlcraft, primers, converters, reducers, and maintenance products. Understanding the Awlgrip System Awlgrip is not just paint — it i...

Awlgrip Surface Preparation Guide Proper surface preparation is the most important step in any Awlgrip paint system. Different substrates require specific cleaning procedures, sanding profiles, and primer systems to achieve proper adhesion and long-t erm durability. Shop Awlgrip Full Application Guide Surface Prep → Primer → Fairing → Primer → Topcoat → Cure Fiberglass Surface Preparation Fiberglass substrates require thorough cleaning and sa...

Awlgrip Yacht Paint Application Guide Complete professional guide to surface preparation, priming, fairing, and applying Awlgrip marine coatings. Built for boat builders, professional painters, and first-time users who want a flawless finish. Guide Contents Overview of Awlgrip Coating Systems Surface Preparation Fundamentals Preparing Fiberglass & Gelcoat Preparing Aluminum Preparing Steel Preparing Wood Fairing Compounds & Surface Correction...

Fiberglass Florida Product Catalog Explore the full Fiberglass Florida catalog featuring fiberglass materials, resin systems, carbon fiber, core materials, gelcoat, marine paint systems, and composite supplies. Flip through the interactive catalog below or shop directly on our website. Shop Popular Categories Polyester & Epoxy Resin Fiberglass Cloth & Reinforcements Carbon Fiber & Kevlar Core Materials Gelcoat Systems Awlgrip Marine Paint Systems ...

Preparing Previously Painted Surfaces for Awlgrip Many boat refinishing projects involve applying new coatings over previously painted surfaces. Proper inspection, cleaning, and sanding of existing paint systems is critical to ensure long-term adhesion and professional finish quality. The condition of the existing coating determines whether it can be recoated directly or if removal and full surface preparation are required. Evaluate the Existing Paint System Before beginning...

Aluminum Surface Preparation Guide This guide outlines the correct preparation and coating systems for aluminum substrates using Awlgrip yacht coating systems. Select Your Aluminum Scenario Aluminum – No Fairing Standard aluminum surfaces where no filler or fairing compounds are required. View System Options Aluminum – Fairing Required Aluminum surfaces requiring filler or fairing compounds for leveling. ...

Hullgard Extra Epoxy Primer Application Guide How and Why to Use Hullgard Extra Hullgard Extra Epoxy Primer is a high-build, anticorrosive substrate primer designed to create a stable foundation for fairing compounds and finishing systems. It is commonly used after corrosion primers like Max Cor CF to build film thickness, improve adhesion, and prepare surfaces for Awlfair and topcoat systems. This primer is ideal for aluminum, steel, and fiberglass substrates where long-term durab...

MEKP Catalyst Calculator & Mixing Guide (oz, mL, cc) MEKP Catalyst (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide) is used to cure polyester resin, vinyl ester resin, and gelcoat. The correct mix ratio is critical to ensure proper curing, strength, and finish quality. Standard mix: 1.5% MEKP (about 2 oz per gallon of resin). Important Mixing Notes This information is based on MEKP 925 and tested at 77°F (25°C) . These are estimates and may vary depending on the resin system, shop conditions, and ap...

MEKP Catalyst Calculator Calculate exactly how much MEKP catalyst you need for polyester resin, vinyl ester, or gelcoat. Input Resin Amount (oz) MEKP % 1% 1.5% (Standard) 2% Standard mix is 1.5% at ~70–75°F. Adjust as needed. Result 0.24 oz 7.1 mL / cc Quick Tip: Perfect for small batches and repairs. Quick Mix Examples 8 oz Resin ~3.5 mL (0.12 oz)...