Fibre Glassing Process

Preparing the mould

1. 2 Coats of sanding sealer on plaster cast to seal surface.
2. 3 Coats of wax (a resistive) - dry and buff each layer in turn.
3. 1 Layer of blue PVA (release agent)
4. Spray on wax layer (aerosol can of release agent) - 3 sprays all over.

Gelcoat

• Gelcoat 'Norpol' can change its pigment by adding metal powders or different coloured pigments depending on the finish you want.
• (For metallic finish use metal powders)
• 1% hardener to be put in before pigment.
• Once mixed thoroughly apply to mould - 1-2mm coat.
• It'll become tacky but let it set and become dry. (30mins to an hour drying time depending on atmosphere)

Applying the fibre glass

• 100msq Tissue fibre - one layer
• 50msq Matt fibre - two layers

1. Tear tissue fibre - as straight edges won't intertwine with one another.


2. Apply thin amount of lay up resin over surface for tissue fibres to stick to.


3. Remember to apply resin right up to the edge of the mould.


4. Push tissue layer into the mould using brush in a dabbing motion making sure fibres are firmly stuck down.


5. Trim fibres around eye sockets etc.


6. Let layer go off - take around 30mins.


7. Go on to apply the matt fibre


8. With tip of brush and dab at the fibres - white fibres change to colour of pigment.

Tips

• Working with a 2oz fibre glass - this can be separated to make it thinner to apply.
• Avoid air bubbles - feed fibres into on another by dabbing motion.
• Indication that resin is going off is jelly like bubbles - about 5 minutes working time left at this stage.
• Trim edges once gone off.
• Resin in pot will pop out once gone off and hardened.
• Wash brush in jar of thinner solution.