How To Lay Fibreglass Matting

Even the keenest do it yourselfers maybe put off at the thought of carrying out a project with the use of fiberglass, because they have no knowledge in this area, or it appears complicated. However, this need not be the case, with the right products a little confidence, and clear guidance you can ‘do it yourself’.

Below is a simple tutorial on ‘how to lay fibreglass matting correctly’, without the need for an expert:

What products you will need:

• Enough Fibreglass mesh to cover what you want it to do
• Fibreglass Kit
• Disposable paint brush
• Disposable gloves
• Disposable mixing container

STEP 1: Prepare Mold

Think of a mold for your fiberglass in order for the fiberglass, which starts off in liquid form toconform to the right shape.

Use foam or pliable materials for molds with organic shapes. Simply cut or shave the foam into your desired shape, such as a dome. Cover the material with wax paper, and use wax to seal and attach all joints. For geometric shapes use a stiff material stuff as cardboard, or MDF.

Prepare the fiberglass mat or cloth in sheets cut to suitable sizes to cover your form, allowing for plenty of overlap. The material will become very flexible when the resin is applied, so don't worry if you cannot get it to adapt to the precise shape while it is dry.

STEP 2: Mixing and Applying the Fiberglass

1. When mixing the fiberglass measure the appropriate amount of resin then add the hardener.

*Use a metal container to mix in and always go by the manufacturer’s directions (most kits will have a premeasured ‘can’ or bucket of resin and a premeasured tube of hardener).

1. Thoroughly stir the resin and hardener together *always ensure you get the sides and bottom of the container not just the middle - a paint stick is ideal for this
2. Lay the fiberglass matting on or in the form and spread the mixture with a disposable brush, the matting will appear to melt into the resin as it spreads. *Use a brush to build up the layers of the fiberglass to the desired thickness up to ¼ inch.
3. * Make sure you apply to all corners of the form – failing to cover all corners may result in weakness developing in these areas.
4. Work the mat and resin completely over your form until it is completely covered *continue working until you have used all your material.
5. Clean up all the tools and any spills before the mixture hardens *use a solvent containing acetone this is most effective as it is strong and evaporates quickly.
6. Repeat these steps until the desired thickness is achieved. *Dependent on the project this is usually 3 layers thick – no more than 10.
7. When applying new layers, try laying these in different directions, this will help make it stronger.
8. To finish apply a gel coat or smooth coat resin.
9. Remove your fiberglass from the form. If you have covered your form or mold with wax paper or paraffin wax, you should be able to peel the form from inside the shape, or peel the shape off of the form. The fiberglass will not stick to the wax

TIPS

• Curve any corners if you are able, as it is difficult to work fiberglass mat around sharp corners.
• Temperature affects the speed of hardening of the polyester resin, as does the amount of hardener used.