The differences between Topcoat and Gelcoat

Polyester resin is widely used for various applications, ranging from boat building to the production of composite parts for cars, windmills and aircraft. Within this product group, there are two possible finishing materials: polyester topcoat and gelcoat. Although they sound similar, there are some important differences between these two products. We notice that there is quite a bit of confusion about this. That is why you can read everything about topcoat and gelcoat and what the differences are between these products in this article.

Do you have any questions about topcoat or gelcoat? Feel free to contact our specialists!!

What is polyester gelcoat?

Polyester gelcoat is a thick coating that forms the first layer in polyester moulds. Then comes the laminate, a combination of polyester resin and glass fibres. Gelcoat not only adds colour but also protects the final product on the mold side.

Features gelcoat:

Cures tacky.
Protects against UV radiation.
Adds shine.
Gives colour.
Water-resistant.

What is polyester topcoat?

Polyester topcoat is a thick coating used for finishing polyester laminate and for carrying out repairs on existing polyester constructions. Topcoat is essentially a gelcoat to which paraffin has been added. Due to the addition of paraffin, a polyester topcoat cures tack-free and gives it a semi-gloss appearance with a light structure (if desired, you can sand it and polish it to a high gloss). Just like polyester gelcoat, this product protects against UV influences and is water-resistant.

Features topcoat:

Cures tack-free.
Protects against UV radiation.
Adds shine.
Gives colour.
Water-resistant.

What is the difference between topcoat and gelcoat?

The difference between polyester topcoat and polyester gelcoat is mainly determined by their applications and properties. In the previous paragraph you read that topcoat is actually gelcoat to which paraffin has been added so that it cures tak-free. That is the biggest difference between the two. The choice between these products depends on their specific purposes: polyester topcoat is mainly used for finishing polyester laminate and carrying out repairs to existing structures, while polyester gelcoat is used as the first layer in a mold for making polyester products.

Polyester Topcoat	Polyester Gelcoat
Hardens tack-free	Hardens tacky
Used as a finish and repair for polyester products	Used as the first layer in a polyester mold

Easily order topcoat and gelcoat

You can easily order topcoat and gelcoat online at Polyestershoppen. RESION Topcoat is made of ISO-NPG resins, which means that the coating is of premium quality. Thanks to the ISO-NPG quality, RESION Topcoat has various advantages, such as improved colour retention and gloss level and resistance to chemicals. In addition, an ISO-NPG coating offers excellent protection against UV radiation, water and high temperatures.

Both products are available in clear coat or in any RAL-colour. Thanks to our advanced mixing machines, we can deliver all colours directly from stock and make them to measure. This means that you often have the products at home the next day and can get started right away!

RESION Topcoat and Gelcoat assortment:

Product	Packaging
ISO-NPG Topcoat on colour	0.25 kg, 1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg
ISO-NPG Clear Topcoat	0.85 kg, 4.25 kg, 20 kg
ISO-NPG Topcoat for swimming pools	5 kg, 25 kg
Pre-coloured Gelcoat	1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg
Clear Gelcoat	0.85 kg, 4.25 kg, 20 kg

Tip: in some cases it is desirable to colorize topcoat or gelcoat yourself with polyester pigment. Please read our information article: How do you make colour matching gelcoat?

More information about topcoat and gelcoat?

We hope this article answers your questions about polyester topcoat and gelcoat. Do you still have questions about these products? Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service. We are happy to advise you via email, telephone (+31 (0)85 022 00 90) or WhatsApp. This way we can help you make your project successful!