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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. ...

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 Florida: Awlcraft 3000 – The Next Generation of Yacht Topcoats Awlcraft 3000 is the newest evolution in the Awlgrip® family of marine coatings. Designed as a next-generation acrylic urethane topcoat , it offers a perfect balance of brilliant color, high-gloss retention, and easy repairability . Professional applicators worldwide trust it as the modern standard for yacht finishing. Why Awlcraft 3000 Is Different Next-Level Technology: Builds on decades of Awlgrip innovat...

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 ...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

Mirka Marine Surface Finishing Systems From heavy sanding to high-gloss finishing — complete systems for fiberglass, gelcoat, and marine coatings. About Mirka Mirka Ltd is a global leader in abrasives technology, delivering complete sanding and polishing systems designed to improve surface quality, efficiency, and profitability. ISO 9001 – Quality Assurance ISO 14001 – Environmental Management OHSAS 18001 – Occupational Safety Perfect Surfac...

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...