How to Make Fiberglass Statues

Fiberglass is commonly used for roofing and hot tubs.

Fiberglass statues are strong and lightweight and can be used for garden art or as decorative home accents. Place the statues on pedestals to accent walkways or other architectural features. Weighing much less than traditional concrete statues, they can be moved more easily. To make a fiberglass statue, start with a wire form. Chicken wire is appropriate for larger statues. Wire modeling mesh, which has little holes and comes in 1-foot-by-2-foot sheets, works well for smaller statues.

Things You'll Need

• Chicken wire or wire modeling mesh
• Stiff wire
• Wire cutters
• Plastic sheeting
• Fiberglass cloth
• Utility scissors
• Fiberglass resin and hardener
• Gloves
• Respirator (optional)
• Protective clothing
• Damp cloth
• Sandpaper or power sander

Instructions

1. Create an armature with stiff wire if needed to support the middle or any limbs of the statue. Form chicken wire or wire modeling mesh into a statue shape either by itself or around the armature.

2. Cover your work surface with plastic sheeting, and place the wire form on the sheeting.

3. Cut pieces of fiberglass cloth to size. Cut the pieces small enough to fit smoothly around any curves on your sculpture.

4. Put on gloves and protective clothing to keep your skin from coming in contact with the resin.

5. Mix the resin and hardener together according to package directions. Wear a respirator, or mix in a well-ventilated location.

6. Dip the fiberglass cloth into the resin mixture. Place the wet fiberglass cloth on the statue form, and smooth it into place, eliminating any air bubbles. Continue to wet and place pieces of fiberglass cloth until the form is covered. Place cloth edges as close together as possible to create a smooth surface. Let dry.

7. Sand the statue smooth, then wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dusty residue.

8. Add at least three additional layers of fiberglass in the same manner as the first layer. Sand between each layer. Overlap seams from the previous layers to make the statue stronger.

9. Finish the statue as desired, such as by applying a sanded paint to mimic concrete.

References

• Car Stereo: Fiberglass Basics
• Glen L: Boatbuilding Methods