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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   ...

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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...

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. ...

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 Yacht Paint Application & Technical Guide Professional yacht finishing procedures, surface preparation standards, and Awlgrip system application guidance. Surface Prep → Fairing → Primer → Topcoat → Cure → Finish Surface Preparation Cleaning procedures, sanding standards, two-cloth solvent wipe method, and contamination removal. View Surfac...

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-term durability. Shop Awlgrip Full Application Guide Surface Prep → Fairing → Primer → Topcoat → Cure → Finish ...

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...

Awlgrip Application Guide › Surface Preparation › Fiberglass Fiberglass Surface Preparation for Awlgrip Paint Before applying Awlgrip primer or topcoat systems, fiberglass and gelcoat surfaces must be properly cleaned, sanded, and prepared. Mold release agents, wax contamination, and oxidation will prevent epoxy primers from bonding correctly. Need help with a project? Call our coatings team: 321-639-3046 Quick Answer: How Do You Prep Fiberglass for Awlgrip?...

Awlgrip Application Guide › Surface Preparation › Previously Painted Surfaces Preparing Previously Painted Surfaces for Awlgrip Many boat refinishing projects involve applying new Awlgrip coatings over existing paint. Proper inspection, cleaning, and sanding determines whether the existing system can be recoated or must be removed. Need help with a project? Call our coatings team: 321-639-3046 Quick Answ...

Awlgrip Application Guide › Surface Preparation › Aluminum Aluminum Surface Preparation for Awlgrip Aluminum substrates require specific cleaning, profiling, and corrosion-protection priming to achieve a yacht-grade Awlgrip finish. Per the official Awlgrip YPAC training, prepped aluminum must be primed within 8 hours to prevent oxide regrowth. Need help with a project? Call our coatings team: 321-639-3046 ...

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...

  FF · AWLGRIP GUIDE ⌕   EDITION 22 Fiberglass Florida · Florida's Awlgrip Technical Hub Awlgrip Application Guide The complete professional reference for Awlgrip coatings — surface preparation, spray gun setup, primers, topcoats, defect diagnosis, and repair. Adapted for Florida's climate by Fiberglass Florida. Surface Prep Spray Gun Settings Primers Topcoats Paint Defects Maintenance & Repair Florida Climate ...