Make a fiberglass fan shroud

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(Finishing the part)
(General Comments on Fiberglassing)
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'''Chopped strand mat''' as shown above is rated in ounces/ sq ft.  It commonly comes in 3/4, 1.5 & 2 oz/sqft thicknesses.  The 2oz is probably most polular because it builds thicnkness quickly.  The lighter thicknesses are obviously for smaller, more delicate applications.  For most car parts, use the 2oz.  This material should always be used as a first layer in a finely finished mold such as a boat hull where there is a gel coat layer (final finish colored resin layer) then the 'glas.  If you lay a layer of woven cloth directly under the gel coat it will 'print' through the gel coat and you will always see the pattern of the cloth no matter how much you sand and polish.  The random pattern of the chopped mat strands isolates the cloth pattern from the final surface.  Again, in the 'male' mold shown above this isn't a consideration.
 
'''Chopped strand mat''' as shown above is rated in ounces/ sq ft.  It commonly comes in 3/4, 1.5 & 2 oz/sqft thicknesses.  The 2oz is probably most polular because it builds thicnkness quickly.  The lighter thicknesses are obviously for smaller, more delicate applications.  For most car parts, use the 2oz.  This material should always be used as a first layer in a finely finished mold such as a boat hull where there is a gel coat layer (final finish colored resin layer) then the 'glas.  If you lay a layer of woven cloth directly under the gel coat it will 'print' through the gel coat and you will always see the pattern of the cloth no matter how much you sand and polish.  The random pattern of the chopped mat strands isolates the cloth pattern from the final surface.  Again, in the 'male' mold shown above this isn't a consideration.
  
There is a special type of chopped strand mat called veil.  This stuff is very thin and light weight and is used as the first layer under gel coat,even before the 2oz mat and does even a better job of providing a finer final finish in the gel coat.  It give no strength or bulk, just a finer finish.  I recommend using it where gel coats and polished female molds are used.
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'''Surface Veil''' - There is a special type of chopped strand mat called veil.  This stuff is very thin and light weight and is used as the first layer under gel coat,even before the 2oz mat and does even a better job of providing a finer final finish in the gel coat.  It give no strength or bulk, just a finer finish.  I recommend using it where gel coats and polished female molds are used.
  
 
The woven materials come in a confusing array of weights and weave patterns, all with a special purpose.
 
The woven materials come in a confusing array of weights and weave patterns, all with a special purpose.

Revision as of 12:52, 5 September 2009

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