Maxguard NP 189016 SC White is a premium gelcoat from INEOS Composites, formulated with low styrene emission (LE) technology. It delivers excellent chemical resistance and ageing resistance for the finished laminate, while cutting volatile organic compound emissions by 50% compared with standard gelcoats, making it a reliable choice for marine builders and other manufacturers who need a durable, high-quality surface finish.
Maxguard NP 189016 SC White belongs to INEOS Composites’ NP series of premium gelcoats, distinct from the GN and GT series also carried on this site. The “NP” designation reflects INEOS’s low styrene emission (LE) technology, which reduces VOC emissions by roughly 50% versus standard gelcoat formulations, improving the working environment on the shop floor and reducing gelcoat consumption per part. The “SC” suffix indicates a spray-application-ready viscosity profile, and this white-pigmented grade shares the same 189016 shade reference used across the wider Maxguard product family.
Key Features & Benefits
- Low styrene emission (LE) technology — cuts VOC emissions by around 50% versus standard gelcoats.
- Excellent chemical resistance — protects the finished laminate against a wide range of chemical exposure.
- Strong ageing resistance — maintains surface appearance and performance over long service life.
- High-quality surface finish — recommended for marine applications and other products requiring premium cosmetic results.
- Reduced gelcoat consumption — the LE formulation improves application efficiency and lowers material usage.
Technical Specifications
Liquid Gelcoat Properties
| Property | Hand Lay-Up | Spray | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity @ 23°C – Brookfield RVT, spindle 4, 10 rpm | 14000 mPa·s | 11500 mPa·s | ISO 2555 |
| Viscosity @ 23°C – Cone & Plate (ICI) | 800 mPa·s | 400 mPa·s | ISO 2884 |
| Gel Time @ 23°C (2% MEKP) | 20 min | 15 min | ASTM D2471 |
| Storage | Below 25°C, protected from light, for a maximum of 3 months | ||
Cured Resin Properties
| Property | Nominal Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 63 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Tensile Modulus | 3300 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Elongation at Break | 4.5% | ISO 527 |
| Flexural Strength | 110 MPa | ISO 178 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT, 1.81 MPa) | 72°C | ISO 75, Method A |
| Hardness | 40 Barcol | ASTM D2583 |
| Water Absorption, 28 days / 7 days / 24 hours | 68 / 38 / 9 mg | ISO 62 |
Selecting Maxguard NP 189016 SC White by Application Method
Because Maxguard NP 189016 SC White is characterized for both hand lay-up and spray application, formulators can match viscosity to their process rather than adjusting a single grade with thinner. The hand lay-up viscosity of 14000 mPa·s (Brookfield RVT) and 800 mPa·s (Cone & Plate) supports brush and roller application without excessive sagging on vertical surfaces, while the spray-ready viscosity of 11500 mPa·s and 400 mPa·s reduces the risk of clogging spray equipment. Gel time also shifts with application method, from 20 minutes for hand lay-up down to 15 minutes for spray, at the standard 2% MEKP dosage referenced in the specification.
Matching MEKP catalyst dosage, workshop temperature, and wet-film thickness to the applicator’s process is what keeps Maxguard NP 189016 SC White performing consistently between hand lay-up and spray booths. Applicators working outside the recommended 18–25°C workshop range, or below 80% relative humidity, should expect gel time and surface finish to shift from the values quoted in the specification, since cure chemistry and hardness development, verified with tests such as ASTM D2583 Barcol hardness, are temperature dependent.
Applications
Maxguard NP 189016 SC White is recommended for marine applications and other products requiring a high-quality surface finish, including boat hulls and decks, spa and pool shells, and general FRP/composite parts where cosmetic appearance and long-term durability are priorities.
Application Guidelines
- Store the gelcoat below 25°C, protected from light, for no longer than 3 months.
- Stir thoroughly before use while avoiding air entrapment.
- Maintain the workshop and material/tool storage area at 18–25°C and below 80% relative humidity.
- Add MEKP (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide) catalyst at 1.5–2.5%.
- Control the applied wet-film thickness at 400–800 µm depending on the final application.
- Refer to the INEOS Gelcoat Application Guide for full processing conditions, and the Material Safety Data Sheet for product safety information.
Cured Performance and Sourcing Notes for Maxguard NP 189016 SC White
Once cured, Maxguard NP 189016 SC White reaches a tensile strength of 63 MPa, a flexural strength of 110 MPa, and a heat deflection temperature of 72°C, giving boat builders and spa or pool fabricators a reference point for how the gelcoat layer will hold up under mechanical load and elevated in-service temperature. Water absorption figures of 68 mg at 28 days, 38 mg at 7 days, and 9 mg at 24 hours are also useful when comparing this NP-series grade against other gelcoats for continuously wet-service parts such as boat hulls, spa shells, and pool components.
Because Maxguard NP 189016 SC White has a maximum recommended storage window of 3 months below 25°C and protected from light, buyers should sequence delivery against their production schedule rather than holding large stocks in reserve. For projects that need a different pigment or an alternative Maxguard series, our auxiliary agent product range also carries related grades such as Maxguard GN WHI H, giving formulators a point of comparison across the NP and GN series when qualifying a gelcoat for a new build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maxguard NP 189016 SC White suitable for both hand lay-up and spray application?
Yes. Maxguard NP 189016 SC White is characterized for both processes, with a Brookfield viscosity of 14000 mPa·s for hand lay-up and 11500 mPa·s for spray, and a gel time of 20 minutes for hand lay-up versus 15 minutes for spray at 2% MEKP.
How long can Maxguard NP 189016 SC White be stored?
Up to 3 months when stored below 25°C and protected from light. Buyers should plan delivery against their production schedule rather than holding large volumes in long-term storage.
How does Maxguard NP 189016 SC White differ from the GN and GT series?
The “NP” designation reflects INEOS’s low styrene emission (LE) technology, which cuts VOC emissions by roughly 50% versus standard formulations. The GN and GT series carried on this site use different technology and are not low-styrene-emission grades in the same way.
