Definition: On most polyesther resin surfboards, a shaper applies two mandatory coats of resin. The third is not essential but rather a matter of preference. This last polished coat is called a gloss coat and it gives a board a shiny appearance, offers some added strength(by a scant degree), and helps ward off smudges. Some believe this last coat may also adds both weight and friction and thus go without it and opt for a "sand finish." Most professional surfers ride sand finish boards.

Most longboards have a gloss coat.

Also Known As: Finish Coat

Examples: I wanted my new board to have a gloss coat because my last board got all smudged up from my dirty hand prints in the first week.