How to Lay a Fiberglass Mold
Fiberglass molds are used to duplicate a certain part or piece out of fiberglass. There are two types of molds used for fiberglass. The first type is a male mold which you add the fiberglass to the outside of. The second type is a female mold which gets the fiberglass added to the inside. Molds can be bought or made to duplicate any shape or size piece that is needed. All fiberglass materials that are needed to lay up a mold can be found at your local marine supply store.
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Things You'll Need
- Rags
- Acetone
- Mold release agent
- Fiberglass mat
- Razor knife
- Gel coat
- Felt rollers
- Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (hardener)
- Small buckets
- Stir stick
- Fiberglass resin
Instructions
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1
Clean the surface of the mold using a clean rag and acetone. Remove any dust or debris that may be on the mold.
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2
Apply a mold release agent to the surface of the mold. This is important so the fiberglass will release from the mold without causing any damage.
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3
Cut the fiberglass mat to fit the mold using a razor knife. Add an inch extra to the mat so the edges of the completed fiberglass mold are the same thickness as the middle.
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4
Mix the gel coat and hardener following the recommendations on the containers. Use a small bucket and stir stick to mix the gel coat.
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5
Apply the gel coat to the surface of the mold using a felt roller. Let the gel coat harden.
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6
Mix the fiberglass resin with the hardener as directed on the containers. Also use a small bucket and a stir stick to thoroughly mix the resin.
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7
Wet the surface of the mold with the resin mixture using a felt roller. Apply the first layer of fiberglass mat to the mold. Saturate the layer of mat with the felt roller and resin. When the mat is the same color as the resin with no dry spots left, role the air bubbles out using an air roller.
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Air role the entire layer of mat until it is free of air and flat. Add the next layer of mat and continue this process until all layers of mat are applied. Let cure until the fiberglass is hard and cool to the touch.
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