how many layers of fiberglass at once

[slogen]

how many layers of fiberglass mat can put down at once

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: how many layers of fiberglass at once

Slo,

Really as many as you want or can. It is actually better to do a wet-on-wet application. Depending on where you are applying the glass (horizontal vs. vertical) it is not always possible. To do a wet-on-wet, lay in your first layer of glass and resin, when that layer starts to get tacky add your next layer, and so on. Take care to constantly roll out air bubbles and make sure you don't under or over saturate the cloth/mat with resin. It's doable just take it step wise.

 

[sasto]

Re: how many layers of fiberglass at once

In our old shop we used to lay-up 2 wet layers at a time. Clean up, add 2 more layers, etc

 

[slogen]

Re: how many layers of fiberglass at once

Slo,

Really as many as you want or can. It is actually better to do a wet-on-wet application. Depending on where you are applying the glass (horizontal vs. vertical) it is not always possible. To do a wet-on-wet, lay in your first layer of glass and resin, when that layer starts to get tacky add your next layer, and so on. Take care to constantly roll out air bubbles and make sure you don't under or over saturate the cloth/mat with resin. It's doable just take it step wise.

what do you mean by over satureate it (make it to wet) and why would it matter if yo put lots of resin on it?
thanks.

 

[jonesg]

Re: how many layers of fiberglass at once

Too much resin and the glass will float out of contact with the previous layer of glass, result is a layer of resin with no glass that will crack internally.


Use no wax resin and you can just keep going without stopping to sand and wash with acetone. Work in a shaded area, direct sunlight will overheat it.

I like the method of 2 layers then cleanup the tools, then decide if you need more. Its a lot easier to add more than to remove excess.:redface:

 

[sasto]

Re: how many layers of fiberglass at once

Your goal is to bond fiberglass to fiberglass to fiberglass, etc. The resin is a bonding agent. In my opinion....less is better than more.

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: how many layers of fiberglass at once

I agree with jonesg and sasto. I don't really remember doing more than two at a time either...probably because I was still learning to use the stuff. But I see their point and it's good advise. Good point about using a no wax resin. A lot of the over the counter poly resin contains wax which gives a nice non-tacky finish. Problem with that is you have to sand off the wax and clean with acetone before adding another layer of glass. Use a laminating resin (no wax resin) for all of your lay up work. Honestly I didn't use any waxed resin on my project. The tackiness goes away in a short period of time and then you never have to worry too much about sanding.

 

[oops!]

Re: how many layers of fiberglass at once

hi.....welcome to i boats.

glassing is covered extencively on these forums...search hull extension in progress for the best glassing discussions. i think the good glassing stuff starts on page 2 and goes for 5 pages.

you would benefit greatly by reading here at i boats.

you can do three wet layers at a time.

if you do more....the heat form the reaction will cause the resin to get brittle.

use as little resin as possible.....just fully wet the glass...no more...no less....remove any excess resin when its wet.

remove all air bubbles...

read above what jonesg said....

fiberglass gets its strength form the combination of the 2 materials...the fiberglass it self and the resin....the ultimate mixture is 50-50.

resin by it self is very brittle and will crumble like peanut brittle.
if you use too much resin you will have botched the job.

if you have left over resin after glassing an area...you are better off throwing the rest of the resin out or using it on another area, than adding more on the area you were working on.

when im doing an area, i have another small area prepped and the glass cut....just in case i have excess resin.

cheers
oops