Given the importance of sealers, it is not surprising that there are many sealer brands, and it isn’t easy to differentiate one from the other. In this post, we will look at two types of sealers, namely Gluvit and Coat-It. Are the two sealers really different?
Gluvit and Coat-It are sealers commonly used by anglers to coat and repair their boats. Both sealers have a diverse range of components that make them waterproof and ideal for use on various boat surfaces. Although the two are similar in multiple ways, there are differences between the two sealers that make each sealer unique.
Now, let’s look at what each of these sealers is and what their differences are.
Gluvit
Gluvit is a highly effective barrier epoxy sealer that seals and protects hulls and decks from water damage and corrosion. The product is specially formulated to provide a waterproof barrier that will not crack or peel in extreme temperatures or abrasion. It’s an ideal sealer for fiberglass, metal, and wooden vessels. The sealer provides superior protection against moisture absorption, wood rot, and metal chemical corrosion.
Gluvit contains two-part ingredients – resin and a hardener. When preparing to apply the sealer, you mix the two components in one container. Once thoroughly mixed, you can apply it on the already sanded and cleaned surface and allow it to cure.
Coat-It
Coat-It is an excellent sealer. It’s made of a combination of ceramic beads, abrasion-resistant Kevlar fiber, and graphite. The three components work together to provide the best possible abrasion resistance and strength properties. Kevlar offers stability, while graphite adds an extra element of lubricity. By using this product, your vessel will be protected from scratches in even the most damaging environments.
To apply the Coat-It sealer, stir it or turn the container upside down first. For the best results, use the sealer 30 minutes after opening and stirring the contents in the container. After application, allow the coat to cure, which takes 10-12 hours.
9 Differences Between Gluvit and Coat-It
- Cost
Gluvit is more expensive compared to Coat-It sealer. Considering the added protection and durability Gluvit offers, it is worth the extra cost.
On the other hand, if the cost is your primary factor to consider, then you can choose one over the other. For instance, if you have a tight budget, a Coat-It sealer will be your first choice.
- Quality
Both sealers are of good quality. However, the Gluvit sealer is believed to be better quality than the Coat-It sealer.
Notably, it’s significantly more expensive than Coat-It sealer. However, it provides superior protection against water damage and is much more durable.
Therefore, if the quality is your top priority, you should choose Gluvit. Your boat will likely stay for long without the need to repair since the Gluvit sealer is highly durable.
- Color
Gluvit has a neutral color. To achieve the color of your choice, you can pigment the sealer with a coloring agent or paint.
Coat-it sealer is dark gray. Due to its dark color, it can be challenging to add a pigment to the sealer. However, you can paint over it after it has cured.
- Ingredients
Gluvit is made of resin and hardener. The hardener enhances the product’s ability to resist abrasion and scratches after its coat has cured. The resin acts as a binder and enhances the adhesive properties of the sealer.
Coat-It is made of ceramic beads, Kevlar fiber, and Graphite for extreme abrasion resistance, strength and durability, and lubricity, respectively. The combination of these three ingredients – all work together to provide the best possible abrasion resistance. They make the boat stronger and more resistant to damage. It’s ideal for boats that need to glide smoothly over hard surfaces. The sealer protects your ship and helps keep it in good condition for many years.
- Application Process
Gluvit is an easy-to-apply sealer and dries quickly to a hard, durable finish. To apply the sealer, you need to prepare the surface you want to repair by sanding and cleaning it. Also, you need to mix the resins and hardener before application in 5 parts of resin to 1 part hardener ratio. After the ingredients are well mixed, you can use a paintbrush to apply the sealer and allow it to cure.
To apply Coat-It, you need to pour and stir before application or simply flip the container upside down. Use a throwaway paint brush with short bristles to apply the sealer. Notably, when you don’t stir the sealer or flip the container, the graphite will have settled down, making it challenging to apply the sealer.
Also, Coat-It is thick; hence it may be challenging to use it, especially when it’s your first time. Many users experience this challenge applying Coat-It when it’s their first time applying a coat-It sealer, and they have not thoroughly stirred the sealer.
- Use
Repair and maintenance work using sealers are essential on any vessel, whether aluminum or fiberglass. Gluvit provides the much-needed waterproofing and sealing necessary to keep the boat in good condition and free from leaks. Gluvit fills and seals hairline cracks and pinholes and repairs leaky seams in fiberglass, wood, and metal.
Therefore, if your wood deck is starting to appear aged, a few sealer strokes can help renew it. This can help to prolong the life of your deck and make it look new again. A coat of the Gluvit sealer will strengthen deckings and moldings. Also, it will prevent water absorption into the wood.
On the other hand, Coat-It is used to fill and seal any hidden leaks in the boat bottom and truck beds. Coat-It, when applied in the outer layer, enables the water vessels to withstand the rigors of the marine environment and effectively resist abrasion. At the same time, the sealer provides a watertight seal that prevents moisture and water from penetrating the hull.
- Flexibility
Gluvit is tough yet flexible. It flexes depending on the hull movements; hence it is best for use in bridging areas. It seals and perfectly bridges hairline cracks by flexing with hull movements.
On the other hand, Coat-It is rigid and does not flex; hence it’s not suitable for use along seams and rivets.
- Open Time
Gluvit has an open pot time of 1 hour and cures within 24-30 hours. This can be a long time, especially when you can get an alternative that cures faster. However, on the positive side, the 1 hour of pot time is sufficient to apply the prepared Gluvit sealer on all the required surfaces. Notably, in case you want to speed up the curing speed, then you can apply heat above 72oF.
Coat-It has a pot time of 30 minutes and cures fast. It takes 10-12 hours to cure. You must apply this sealer immediately and quickly after stirring and opening its container. Applying it after 30 minutes will be difficult and will likely not get the desired results.
- Penetration into the Material Applied on
Gluvit has a longer pot time; hence it penetrates deeper in porous wooden boats. It’s a suitable sealer for damaged boats’ wooden cabins since it will seal all the cracks and pinholes.
Coat -it is thick and fast drying; hence it may be challenging to penetrate less porous surfaces.
Gluvit and Coat-It Similarities
Since the two products are sealers with many similarities, and many users pick either, here are some similarities you should note.
- Require an Overcoat using Marine Paint
Gluvit and Coat-It sealers should be painted using suitable marine paint after curing to improve the ultraviolet protection characteristic. The overcoat provides extra protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Notably, the paint or other coatings must be compatible with epoxy products.
- The sealers play a similar role.
Both sealers are equally vital in keeping the vessel watertight since they are waterproof.
- Both are a coating and a sealer.
The two products play the role of a coat and sealer. You can use them to seal cracks and pinholes and coat a surface you suspect to have hidden leaks.
- Suitable for use on water body vessels.
The two products are waterproof and have water absorption prevention properties, hence ideal for use on water body vessels.
- Similar Application procedure.
You can apply either of the two sealers using a similar application method. However, for best results, you should read the manufacturer’s application instructions and follow the specific given steps.
- Both are compatible with wood, metal, and fiberglass materials.
Both sealers can be used on wood, metal, and fiberglass surfaces.
Conclusion
Finding the best boat sealer could have been a daunting task for you before, but not anymore. After going through this article, you can easily differentiate between the two sealers and use the knowledge to pick the suitable sealer for your specific sealing needs.
Importantly, after reading this article, research further and read the two products’ past customers’ reviews. Use the acquired knowledge and understanding of the differences between Gluvit and Coat-It, to conveniently choose a sealer suitable for your boat repair and maintenance needs.
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