Frequently Asked Questions | Fiberglass Florida

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.

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General FAQ – Fiberglass Florida
What Are Fiberglass Florida’s Store Hours in Rockledge and Stuart?
Fiberglass Florida’s Rockledge and Stuart stores are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Both Florida locations are closed Saturday and Sunday.
What types of fiberglass products do you offer?
We offer a wide range of fiberglass products including resin systems, fiberglass cloth, core materials, additives, and tools for all your composite needs.
How does Fiberglass Florida ship resin, gelcoat, paint and hazardous materials?
Fiberglass Florida ships fiberglass supplies nationwide. Non-regulated products can usually ship by standard parcel service, while regulated resins, gelcoats, paints, catalysts, reducers and solvents may require approved ground service, hazardous-material packaging or LTL freight.
Do you offer wholesale or contractor pricing?
Yes. If you're a boatyard, fabricator, or contractor, contact us for volume pricing and account setup options.
Are you open on the weekends?
No. Fiberglass Florida is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at both our Rockledge and Stuart locations. We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Expanding Foam / Pour Foam
How Much Does 2-Pound Pour Foam Expand and What Volume Will It Fill?
Mixing 1 gallon of Part A with 1 gallon of Part B produces approximately 9 cubic feet of expanded 2-pound foam. That is roughly 34 times the combined starting liquid volume, although actual yield depends on temperature, mixing and application conditions.
How Much Does 4-Pound Pour Foam Expand and What Volume Will It Fill?
A 4-pound density pour foam expands to roughly 4.5 cubic feet per mixed gallon set (1 gallon Part A + 1 gallon Part B).
What Are the Mix Ratios for Marine Pour Foam and How Does Expanding Foam Work?
Marine pour foam is a two-part expanding polyurethane foam mixed 1:1 by volume (equal parts Part A and Part B). Fiberglass Florida carries 2 lb and 4 lb density foams.
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Marine Core Materials – Coosa, Divinycell & Aircell Foam
What is Divinycell, and what are its primary applications?
Divinycell is a high-density PVC core material widely used in marine, wind energy, and aerospace applications due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and thermal insulation properties.
What’s the difference between Coosa Bluewater and Coosa Nautical?
Coosa Bluewater contains continuous-strand fiberglass and woven fiberglass reinforcement, making it generally stronger and stiffer than an equivalent-density Coosa Nautical panel. Bluewater is commonly selected for transoms, stringers and structural decks, while the lighter Nautical series is often used for cabinetry, interior panels and less demanding structural applications.
What is Aircell 6lb green foam?
Closed cell polyester foam core, it is an economical alternative to other core materials.
What core material should I use for a transom or stringer?

What core material should I use for a transom or stringer?

For transoms and stringers, Coosa Bluewater is the top choice for its strength and durability. Divinycell H and AirCell T are lightweight alternatives suitable for some applications depending on load requirements and resin system compatibility.

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Surfboard Building Supplies & Materials
How much fiberglass cloth do I need for my surfboard?
For a standard 6'1" shortboard with a 6/4 oz deck and 4 oz bottom lamination, plan for approximately 3 yards of 6 oz cloth and 6 yards of 4 oz cloth, including waste.
Which epoxy should I use for my surfboard?
Resin Research 2000CE is the top choice for surfboard building and repair. It’s a 2:1 mix epoxy system designed for clarity, strength, and UV resistance—ideal for both lamination and hot coats. Fiberglass Florida is your #1 source for Resin Research epoxy and surfboard building supplies.
Silmar 249A & 249-B Polyester Surfboard Resin FAQ
Silmar 249A & 249-B Polyester Surfboard Resin is a premium surfboard laminating resin widely used by professional board builders. It offers excellent clarity, UV stability, and reliable cure performance when mixed with MEKP catalyst. Silmar 249A is the standard clear laminating resin. Silmar 249-B contains a UV inhibitor for improved color stability and reduced yellowing over time. Both are ideal for fiberglass surfboard lamination and are compatible with traditional surfboard construction methods.
How Do I Do a Hot Coat on a Surfboard Using Silmar 249A or 249-B?
How Do I Do a Hot Coat on a Surfboard Using Silmar 249A or 249-B? A surfboard hot coat, sometimes called sand resin, is the final resin layer applied before sanding and polishing. It’s made by mixing Silmar 249A or 249-B with Wax Solution (Mod C) before...
What’s the Difference Between a Lamination Coat and a Hot Coat on a Surfboard?
A lamination coat bonds fiberglass cloth to the blank, while a hot coat (sand resin) fills the weave, hardens the surface, and creates a smooth finish ready for sanding and polishing.
What is Reichhold Gloss Resin used for?
Reichhold Gloss Resin is used as a surfboard gloss coat resin to create a hard, tack-free, high-gloss finish over laminated polyester surfboards and fiberglass marine surfaces.
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Gelcoat Repair Kits, Tools & Additives
Which products would you use to buff and polish your boat?
Fiberglass Florida sells Presta Products. Some options are, Super Cut Compound, Gelcoat Compound, Ultra Polish, Max Finishing Polish.
Best Gelcoat Additives for Spraying and Repairs

How Do I Prepare Gelcoat for Spraying?

Use MEKP catalyst (1.5–2%) for curing, and thin gelcoat with up to 10% styrene. Add a spray additive—either Duratec 904‑001 or Patch Aid 970X900—to improve flow and finish. For open-air repairs, include 2–4% wax additive to ensure a tack‑free cure.

Gelcoat vs. Awlgrip: A Comprehensive Comparison for Marine Finishes
Gelcoat is a resin-based coating that is typically used as the outer layer of fiberglass composite structures. It provides a smooth, durable, and glossy finish. Awlgrip is a brand of polyurethane paint designed for marine applications. It is used as a topcoat to provide a durable, long-lasting finish.
What’s the proper sanding and wet-sanding grit progression to finish gel coat before buffing?
For fresh gel coat: level with 400 (or 320 if heavy peel), then wet-sand 600 → 800 → 1000 → 1200/1500 → 2000, followed by compound (wool pad) and polish (foam pad). If the gel coat is thin or only lightly textured, start at 800–1000 to avoid cutting through. Don’t skip grits; keep the surface cool and lubricated with soapy water.
What pads, compounds, and polishes should I use after wet-sanding gel coat?
After finishing at 1500–2000 grit (or finer), compound with a wool cutting pad and a marine cutting compound, then polish with a foam pad and a finishing polish. We carry Buff and Shine® pads and Starke® and Presta® compounds/polishes to cover the full cut → finish workflow.
Which roller should I use to apply gel coat?
Use a 3/16" nap pink mohair roller cover—low-lint, solvent-resistant, and smooth-laying for gel coat. Avoid foam (adds bubbles). If you need extra build on rough/texture, a ¼" mohair can work but may leave more texture; tip off with a quality natural-bristle brush if needed.
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Awlcraft 2000 & Awlcraft 3000 Finishes
What is the mix ratio for mixing Awlcraft 2000?
2 parts paint, 1 part G3010, reduce 0-33%
Which Awlgrip colors can Fiberglass Florida make?
Any of them! We are set up to make any of the awlgrip colors. All we need is the code to be able to access the color formulas!
How to Use Awlgrip 545 Epoxy Primer: A Comprehensive Guide
Awlgrip 545 Epoxy Primer is a high-performance primer used to prepare surfaces for painting. It offers excellent adhesion and corrosion protection. To use it, clean and sand the surface, apply the primer in even coats, and allow it to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before topcoating.
What Is Awlcraft 3000, and How Does It Improve Marine Topcoat Performance?
Awlcraft 3000 is a premium, two-component acrylic urethane marine topcoat developed for professional spray application. It improves marine finishing with deeper, more accurate colors, high gloss, fast drying and a finish that can be buffed, polished and spot-repaired—making painted boat and yacht surfaces easier to maintain.
Is Awlcraft 3000 repairable?
Yes, Awlcraft 3000 is fully repairable and can be blended and buffed for seamless repairs.
How many coats of Awlcraft 3000 are required?
Most colors achieve full coverage in 2 coats, but some colors may require 3 or more coats.
Can Awlcraft 3000 be buffed and polished
Yes, Awlcraft 3000 can be buffed after curing to improve gloss and blend repairs.
What is the correct mix ratio for Awlcraft 3000?
Awlcraft 3000 must be mixed 2:1 by volume (Base to Awlcat #2 G3010 Converter) before reducer is added.
What spray gun setup is recommended for Awlcraft 3000?
Use an air-atomized spray gun with a 1.0–1.2 mm fluid tip and 29–36 psi air pressure.
What are the recoat and cure times for Awlcraft 3000?
Minimum recoat time is 30–60 minutes depending on temperature, with full cure at 21 days.
Is Awlcraft 3000 better than Awlcraft 2000?
Awlcraft 3000 is considered the upgraded system with improved color depth and modern pigment technology.
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Boat Repair & Fiberglass Building
What’s the difference between a structural and cosmetic fiberglass repair?
Structural repairs restore strength, while cosmetic repairs focus on appearance and surface finish
What fiberglass cloth should I use for boat repairs?
Structural repairs use biaxial or woven fiberglass like 1708, while cosmetic repairs typically use chopped strand mat or lightweight cloth.
Do I need chopped strand mat for fiberglass repairs?
Chopped strand mat is commonly used with polyester and vinyl ester resins to build thickness and improve bonding.
Why is timing critical when building a polyester tooling mold?
Because each layer relies on a controlled secondary bond, and over-curing between layers can weaken adhesion and cause defects.
What type of tooling gel coat should be used for mold construction?
Isophthalic gel coats provide the best gloss, while vinyl ester gel coats offer higher strength and heat resistance.
What is the purpose of a barrier coat in tooling applications?
Barrier coats reduce print-through, strengthen the gel coat, and improve mold surface cosmetics.
What materials do I need for a fiberglass boat repair?
Most fiberglass boat repairs require resin, fiberglass reinforcement, surface-preparation abrasives, fillers, fairing compound, application tools and a compatible gelcoat or marine-paint finish. The exact materials depend on whether the repair is cosmetic or structural and whether the damaged area contains a core material.
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Awlgrip Primers – 545, High Build & Quick Build Systems
How to Use Awlgrip 545 Epoxy Primer: A Comprehensive Guide
Awlgrip 545 Epoxy Primer is a high-performance primer used to prepare surfaces for painting. It offers excellent adhesion and corrosion protection. To use it, clean and sand the surface, apply the primer in even coats, and allow it to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before topcoating.
What grit should I sand for Awlgrip 545 and before the topcoat
Before primer, sand to 180 grit. After applying Awlgrip 545, sand to 320–400 grit before the topcoat; lightly scuff 320–400 between topcoats for best finish.
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Fiberglass Fillers, Fairing Compounds & Additives
What is Aerosil used for?
Aerosil is a fine powder used to thicken resin and prevent it from running or sagging. It is commonly added to bonding mixtures, repair pastes and fillets.
What are Milled Fibers used for?
Milled fibers are short fiberglass strands mixed with resin to create a stronger, reinforced repair compound. They are commonly used for filling small gaps, chips, holes, joints and damaged fiberglass areas.
Which Adtech (now Sika) filler should I use—P-11 (AP112), P-14, P-17, or P-77?
P-14 – Best all-around marine filler and top seller; fast set, easy sanding, bonds to fiberglass, metals, and more. P-11 / AP112 – Fiber-filled bond & fill; strong adhesion for deep repairs before fairing. P-17 – High-heat filler; handles up to ~446°F for tooling or engine areas. P-77 / AP077 – Styrene-free, easy-sanding filler; heat resistant to ~392°F.
How do I catalyze and use F206 LF/LM Fairing Compound, and what’s the working time?
Catalyze F 206 LF/LM with MEKP at about 1% at 77°F (25°C) (keep within 1–2%). Expect gel time of 3–6 min for LF and 8–12 min for LM (100 g mass). Adjust MEKP for temperature (slightly more in cooler temps, less when warmer). Do not use below 65°F (18°C). The LM version has a color indicator to confirm a thorough mix. Apply with a spatula/trowel; allow to cure fully before sanding. Use PPE and good ventilation.
What filler should I use for a fiberglass repair?
Use Aerosil to thicken resin, Q-Cell for lightweight fairing, milled fibers or chopped strand for added reinforcement, bonding putty for joining parts, and fairing putty for smoothing surfaces. The correct choice depends on whether the repair requires strength, bonding or easy sanding.
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Bottom Paint
What makes Interlux Micron CSC different from other bottom paints?
Micron CSC uses a self-polishing ablative formula that continuously exposes fresh biocide, preventing marine growth without paint build-up.
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Awlgrip Marine Topcoats & Finishing Systems
What are the mix ratios for Awlgrip rolling and tipping?
2 parts paint, 1 part H3002, reduce 10-33%
What is the mix ratio for spraying Awlgrip?
1 part paint, 1 part G3010, reduce 0-25% with T0003
Gelcoat vs. Awlgrip: A Comprehensive Comparison for Marine Finishes
Gelcoat is a resin-based coating that is typically used as the outer layer of fiberglass composite structures. It provides a smooth, durable, and glossy finish. Awlgrip is a brand of polyurethane paint designed for marine applications. It is used as a topcoat to provide a durable, long-lasting finish.
How to Use Awlgrip 545 Epoxy Primer: A Comprehensive Guide
Awlgrip 545 Epoxy Primer is a high-performance primer used to prepare surfaces for painting. It offers excellent adhesion and corrosion protection. To use it, clean and sand the surface, apply the primer in even coats, and allow it to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before topcoating.
What is Awlgrip Fairing Compound used for?

Short answer: Awlgrip fairing compound is used to smooth and shape surfaces before priming and painting.

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