What Type of Paint Do You Use on a Fiberglass Oil Tank?

Fiberglass is slowly replacing metal as material for storage tanks.

Fiberglass is used for oil and other types of storage tanks because it is corrosion resistant, lightweight and easy to repair. Fiberglass tanks and basically all fiberglass constructions are painted with gel coat which is a polyester resin based paint.

Gel coat

Gel coat is a high quality resin that is pigmented with color and infused with additives that thicken it up and protect it from uv rays. Gel coat like all other resins requires a catalyst in order to harden.

Catalyst

Gel coat is mixed with 1 to 2 percent methyl ethyl keton peroxide which acts as a catalyst for fiberglass resins. More than 2 percent catalyst can be added to speed up the cure time but never use less than 1 percent or the gel coat will not harden.

Application

Gel coat can be rolled on, brushed on or sprayed on with a gel coat gun. Applying the gel coat with a spray gun is the best way to get a smooth professional finish.

Hazards

Gel coat along with all other fiberglass resins generally gives off strong fumes that are known to be hazardous. A respirator should be worn at all times when you work with fiberglass materials.

Maintenance

Gel coat can become oxidized from sun exposure. Gel coat can be protected from oxidation by polishing it with car or boat wax.

References

• Evercoat: Gel coat basic information
• Fiberglass Warehouse: Gelcoat application and preparation
• ZCL Composites: Fiberglass oil tank info.