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Technical Support & Expert Guidance Working with fiberglass, gelcoat, and marine coatings requires the right materials, correct procedures, and real-world experience. At Fiberglass Florida, technical support is part of what we do every day. Our team works directly with boat builders, repair yards, manufacturers, and serious DIY builders to solve real-world problems using proven materials and practical methods. Call Technical Support Send Us a Message ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Polyester Resin Guide: How to Use It, Types, and What You Need Short Answer Polyester resin is the most widely used material for fiberglass repair, boat building, and composite construction. It is affordable, fast-curing, and ideal for laminating fiberglass cloth, mat, and structural parts. --- What is Polyester Resin? Polyester resin is a thermosetting resin used in fiberglass applications to create strong, durable composite structures. It is activated using MEKP catalyst and cures throug...
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Professional Awlgrip Guidance — Explained Clearly Awlgrip coatings are professional-grade marine finishes. When applied correctly, they deliver unmatched durability and appearance — but they are also process-sensitive. Our technical guidance follows the same application principles outlined in Awlgrip’s official application documentation, translated into clear, real-world advice for boat owners, repair shops, and first-time painters. Common Awlgrip Application Issues We Hel...
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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. ...
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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...
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Max Cor CF Epoxy Primer (Controlled Fusion Technology) How and Why to Use Max Cor CF Max Cor CF Epoxy Primer is a high-performance, chromate-free corrosion primer engineered for aluminum and steel in marine and industrial environments. Designed with Controlled Fusion Technology, it chemically bonds to properly prepared metal surfaces to create a durable, corrosion-resistant foundation for subsequent coatings. This system is ideal for aluminum boats, towers, structural components, a...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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Awlgrip 545 Epoxy Primer Guide 545 Epoxy Primer is the industry standard undercoat primer used in Awlgrip coating systems. It seals surfacing primers and prepares substrates for Awlgrip or Awlcraft topcoats while providing excellent adhesion and corrosion protection. View Full Awlgrip Application Guide Shop Awlgrip Primers Product Overview Key Features Outstanding adhesion to fiberglass, steel, aluminum and wood Corrosion resistant epoxy primer Used above or...
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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 Surface Prep Guide → Primers & Sealers 545 Epoxy Primer...
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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...
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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. ...
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Fairing & Surface Repairs Guide Fairing and surface repair is used to correct imperfections in hulls, decks and structures before applying primer and topcoat systems. Proper surface preparation and fairing techniques ensure smooth finishes and long-term coating performance. Select Your Repair Scenario Minor Surface Repairs Small scratches, sanding marks or shallow imperfections. View Repair Method Fairing Large Areas ...
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