How to Lay Up Fiberglass in a Mold
Fiberglass molds are commonly used to make duplicate and multiple copies of an object. They are easy to use and durable. The material is also inexpensive and lasts for years. The mold sets up the shape of fiberglass so that when it is dry, the shape of the desired object is formed. Several molds can be used to create multiple number of objects at one time. Fiberglass has great use in industry and even in home craft activities. Learning how to lay up the fiberglass in the mold can be a valuable piece of information that can prove handy if you want to make several identical copies of an object.
Things Required:
– 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
The first part is to clean the whole parts of the mold really well from any dust or grime build up. This will help in creating a perfect duplicate with no hitches. Use a rag and acetone for this purpose and clean all parts.
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2
Now apply a mold releasing agent to the mold. This agent will help in taking out the fiberglass from the mold easily like you grease pans for making cakes. Apply the agent to the surface of the mold.
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3
Now use a sharp razor to cut the fiberglass mats that you have in shape of the mold. The cut mats should be able to fit in the mold without any difficulty. You need a sticking gel to hold the mat to the mold. Use the small bucket to mix the gel coat and the hardener together by constantly stirring. Now coat the surface of the mold with this mixture using a roller. Allow the gel to harden on the mold.
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4
Take another small bucket and mix in the fiberglass resin with the hardener. Stir these two well. Use a roller to apply this mixture to the surface of the mold. Place the first mat on the mold surface. Apply a layer of resin on the mat and then press on another mat. Repeat until all the mats are applied and the mold is full. Let the mold rest until the fiberglass is set and cool.