How to Mold Fiberglass

Vacuum Resin Transfer Molding (VRTM)

The article will explain how to mold fiberglass for personal projects.

Things You'll Need

• Fiberglass Cloth
• Resin
• Buckets to mix resin
• Safety Equipment
• Paint brush
• Plastic squeegee

Instructions

1. First, gather all your materials. Fiberglass cloth and resin can be purchased locally from most marine supply shops. Material can also be purchased on the internet from fiberglass supply companies.

2. Decide on what weight fiberglass and resin you want to use. If you are molding a structural component, then heavier fiberglass cloth should be used. Talk to your material supplier for advice, they are usually very helpful.

3. There are many methods of molding fiberglass. Shown above is vacuum molding which is more advanced. For beginners, use the method called "hand lamination."

4. Hand lamination is conducted by first draping the fiberglass around what you are wanting to mold.

5. Next, mix up resin and apply it by using a paint brush and use a plastic squeegee (much like a credit card) to remove excess resin.

6. Finally, let the resin fully set for 24hrs, then finish sand using a high grit sandpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to remove the part from the mold, use "mold release"

• Try to mix small amounts of resin as it can cure quickly

• Feel free to repeat steps with additional layers of fiberglass

• Always use safety equipment (gloves, mask, eye protection, ear plugs, etc)

• When working with resin, be sure areas are well ventilated and away from flames

• Be patient