I've been working on re-creating a classic Doctor Who series roundel from scratch, and finally making some progress. I am looking for advice from experienced fiberglass (GRP) members. The problem I am having is air bubbles being trapped between the surface veil and the mold. Sometimes these cause surface defects/voids, other times just ugly weak spots.
I am using disposable chip brushes to dab the resin on, and trying to use is sparingly to avoid inconsistent color. Once the veil saturates with resin, it seems almost impossible to get them out. One of the big problems is the veil moving around as a I work my way out from the center. That movement seems to draw in air.
The grooved rollers don't really work well on the non-flat surfaces.
I am not using a gel coat currently.
I've thought about trying to vacuum bag it, but that's going to add another layer of complication. I've also thought about ordering a bristle roller and giving that a try.
The once in the foreground is my 2nd attempt, where I got a much lighter and even color, but the air bubbles were actually worse on this one than my first attempt.
I am using disposable chip brushes to dab the resin on, and trying to use is sparingly to avoid inconsistent color. Once the veil saturates with resin, it seems almost impossible to get them out. One of the big problems is the veil moving around as a I work my way out from the center. That movement seems to draw in air.
The grooved rollers don't really work well on the non-flat surfaces.
I am not using a gel coat currently.
I've thought about trying to vacuum bag it, but that's going to add another layer of complication. I've also thought about ordering a bristle roller and giving that a try.
The once in the foreground is my 2nd attempt, where I got a much lighter and even color, but the air bubbles were actually worse on this one than my first attempt.
