Ampelite Gel Coat Technology

“The standard orthophthalic resin with the BP gel coat was the most weather-resistant system to use. The BP gel coat was the most durable of all the coatings trialed and showed superior weatherability compared to those coatings currently being used in industry” – Cooperative Research Centre for Polymers (CRC).

PERCEPTIONS OF FIBREGLASS

Fibreglass has been used in Australia for over 50 years as a cost-effective skylighting material. Unfortunately, fiberglass has often been overlooked in many applications due to perceptions of poor translucency, high levels of yellowing, and poor aesthetics associated with surface erosion (known as “fibre show”).

WHAT IS GEL COAT? 

Ampelite’s gel coating technology is a superior method of fibreglass protection, designed to eliminate the problems associated with traditional fibreglass sheeting. Gel Coat was first developed by BP Chemicals in the United States over 30 years ago! Since then, Gel Coats have been used in many applications, ranging from truck bodies, to swimming pools and yachts. Ampelite are now able to apply this superior method of fibreglass protection to a range of fibreglass cladding materials!

WHAT MAKES GEL COAT THE BEST PROTECTION AVAILABLE?

In Australia, fiberglass sheeting has traditionally been protected by a 20 micron thick surface film. This film is layered on to the sheet during manufacture, and is designed to be “self sacrificial”. Unfortunately, surface films have poor weatherability, and have been known to delaminate in as little as 3 years! More recent surface films containing high-level UV stabilizers have improved performance and weatherability, however testing has shown life-span to limited to 6-9 years.

Ampelite’s Gel Coat behaves differently to surface films. Gel Coat has a nominal thickness of 100 micron, compared to 20 microns with surface films. Unlike surface films, Ampelite’s Gel Coat is also chemically cross-linked to the fiberglass sheet, and therefore unable to delaminate.

AMPELITE’S GEL COAT WARRANTY

Ampelite’s Gel Coated sheeting features a 25 Year Warranty against “fibre-show” – the strongest in Australia. This warranty also covers loss of light transmission, hail damage and excessive yellowing. For full warranty details, please contact your nearest Ampelite office. 

USES OF GEL COAT SHEETING 

With the prolonged life-span now available with Ampelite’s Gel Coated sheeting, fibreglass is increasingly being viewed as a cost-effective cladding material with excellent physical properties. Fibreglass usage has expanded from basic industrial applications, to residential and even large commercial projects. Click here to view Project Photos.

AMPELITE’S GEL COAT RANGE

Wonderglas GC

Cool-lite GC

Webglas GC

Clearslide

Dual Roof