Fiberglass 101

[77SceptreOB]

I'm thinking of making some fiberglass parts. First I'm going to make a mold.

After I make the mold, what type of material (Clay) should I use to form / mold the corners to be smooth?

What type of wax should I use to keep the fiberglass & resin from "sticking" to mold?

Any other critical info I should know??

I'm going to practice a few times before the real parts go in the finished mold.

Polyester resin, right?

[strick]

Clay works well. Non water based. Use a heat gun to soften it. Partall paste (wax/buff) over the mold then spray with PVA then lay up. There are tons of good videos on you tube that demonstrate the process. Polyester for making parts.

strick

[77SceptreOB]

....then spray with PVA then lay up.

What is PVA??

[workinpr0gress]

Poly Vinyl Alchohol.....mold release

[77SceptreOB]

Great info...Thanks.

BTW, Where (online) is a good place to purchase material??

[Sandhog]

Having worked in and around (art) foundries I know you can buy mold release from a foundry supply company, so just "Google" foundry supplies or mold release.

[77SceptreOB]

Where (online) is a good place to purchase material??

Any help from the fiberglass guro's out there?

[nitz]

http://www.shopmaninc.com/index.html or http://www.compositesone.com/

[bigeasy1]

www.mertons.com

He stocks PVA in gallons,and Partall Mold release wax in 1lb cans,and also stocks wax fillets in a few sizes.
They work nice when you want a radiused edge,on the inside of a mold.
He carries lot's of stuff that isn't on the web site,so it's best to call.
His shipping is fast and he ships anywhere.