What is a gel-coat and what is it for?
Gel-coat is basically a relatively thick layer of resin with colorant added. In the manufacturing process it is the first layer of the hull, sprayed against the inner surface of mold. Its smooth shiny finish is an indicator of the mold finish. Any mold imperfections would be reflected in the gel-coat as well. Functionally, it serves as a protective finish to the structural portion of the hull’s composite lay-up, particularly against abrasion. The gel-coat also provides a barrier to moisture penetration into the weave of the hull lay-up.
