How to Layer Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a material with tremendous strength, but a single fiberglass sheet is usually insufficient to take full advantage of the strength on offer. For efficient use of fiberglass, the material must be layered with resin. The layering creates a mass of fiber strands, with each layer structurally supporting the others -- the resin adds additional strength as well. It's this layering process that makes fiberglass such a useful building material -- whether it's a skateboard or a car fender.
Things You'll Need
- Scrub brush
- Non-abrasive cleanser
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
- Face mask
- 2-part epoxy resin
- Bucket
- Wooden stir stick
- Paintbrush
- 1½ oz. fiberglass mat
- Scissors
- 1708 bi-axle fiberglass cloth
- Utility knife or rotary tool with diamond cutting disc
- Sandpaper
- Sanding block
Instructions
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Clean the fiberglass surface using a cleanser specifically formulated for use on that surface and a scrub brush to remove all traces of dirt and debris. Even a small speck of dirt can alter the fit of the fiberglass cloth. Rinse the surface with a water-dampened cloth, and then allow it to dry.
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2
Cover your hands with rubber gloves to avoid scratches or contact with adhesive. Put on a pair of safety goggles and a face mask to prevent injury from glass strands, or the inhalation of fiberglass particles and adhesive fumes.
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3
Combine a 2-part epoxy resin in a bucket, following the resin manufacturer's instructions for the mixing ratio required of the two components. Mix the two parts with a wooden stir stick until no signs of individual components remain. Use a paintbrush to brush a thin layer of the resin onto the surface that you're covering with fiberglass.
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Cut a fiberglass mat with a pair of sharp scissors to fit the surface area with about 1-inch of excess mating extending beyond the surface edge. Place the mat flat onto the resin-covered surface, pressing it into place.
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Saturate the fiberglass mat with a layer of resin and then cut a piece of bi-axle fiberglass cloth to fit over the surface. Place the cloth onto the resin covered mat.
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Build up your layered fiberglass surface by alternating between matting and cloth with resin covering each layer until desired thickness. Allow the fiberglass 24 hours of curing time after laying the last layer.
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Cut the excess edge from the fiberglass cloth with a utility knife or rotary tool with diamond cutting disc, depending on thickness. Sand the edge smooth using 150-grit sandpaper attached to a sanding block, and then switch to a fine-grit sandpaper to sand the resin-coated top layer smooth enough for finishing with a gelcoat or paint.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
