Fiberglass/mesh question

[LogansRunner]

Hey guys, I'm working on a project right now in which I was using just plastics and acrilics, but I think I want to switch to using fiberglass like the kind you can get at homedepot. So what I want to see if I could do is, could I use some wire mesh and bend/mold that into the shape I want, and then paint the fiberglass over the mesh?
I'm just wondering if the fiberglass will "bond" with the wire mesh and become nice and sturdy, I've never used fiberglass so I dont know if it will work.
-thanks for the help.

 

[Don Jarr]

Hi m8

Providing you donÂ’t want a super smooth finish as laying fibreglass on will give you a rough surface, use roundabout a quarter of an inch hole mesh, and then layer the matting on wetting it out as you go, depending on weight of mat, aim for a layer thickens of 600grams per square meter. Matting normally comes in 150-300-450-600. so pending what weight you buy to how many layer you need to apply. When the outer layer has cured, just mix up and paint on some resin on the underside for added adhesion or if you buy 150gm matting add a single layer to the underside sandwiching the mesh between the fibreglass.

I added a section to my web site showing how to lay up fibreglass in a mould which doesnÂ’t apply to you, but might be of some help. Especially the what is needed stuff.

http://www.donjarrs-place.com/07-how-to-fibreglass

If you could post pictures of what you are doing, that would also help with suggesting technique for laying up, and where to start etc.

Don

 

[Blad]

Outstanding tutorial.

Now for my stupid question....

The mould is also fibreglass? Just the multi-layer wax protects the mould?

 

[LogansRunner]

The Harry mask from spiderman 3.
I would like to try and bend the basic shape with the wiremesh, then coat it in the fiberglass. After the fiberglass is dried, I'm hoping this will give me a nice basic shape where I can bondo on all the other details, I'm just not sure if it will work. What are your thoughts?

 

[Boba Frett]

I added a section to my web site showing how to lay up fibreglass in a mould which doesnÂ’t apply to you, but might be of some help. Especially the what is needed stuff.

http://www.donjarrs-place.com/07-how-to-fibreglass[/b]

Excellent tutorial :thumbsup

 

[SiR-ROUND]

Really Xllent. Now to find something to make from fibreglass. I guess it's only for parts that don't need to much sanding and grinding?

 

[Don Jarr]

Hi all

Yes the master mould is also fibreglass, but the gelcoat is tooling gelcoat which is harder and the surface stays shinier for longer, oppose to the normal gelcoat used for taking casts.

As for making a mask like that, I would invest in on of those cheap polystyrene heads, as this will give you good symmetry from the off.

Then using bits of sharpened wooden dowel, add depth markers so you can measure precisely the same distance from each point on both sides, creating a rough mask shape for the mesh to go on.

Then using fine aluminium car body repair mesh, build up a rough shape, as this is very easy to bend and cut, and can also be held together with thin wire.

Then use fibreglass tissue, not matting and cut it into 1” squares, and cover it all over. Tissue is very fine and is much easier to use on smaller items such as this. If you have funny angles or sharp edges don’t try to fold the tissue over it, either cut a piece of tissue to shape first, or if an edge just take a piece from each side of the edge to the tip, and do it that way.

When cured you can add filler and sand to a final shape.

Hope that helps

Don

 

[LogansRunner]

Thanks so much this seems to be very helpful for when I do this.
Will I be able to pick up the wire, and fiberglass tissue at a home depot or another hardware store?

 

[Don Jarr]

Hi m8

Most diy and car spares shops sell a version of the fibreglass kit, which includes resin brushes and matting, but normally the tissue is in a separate package. In the Uk its around £15, so around $20 in the US. I would try WalMart as a m8 of mine went to the US on business and went in a WalMart, and just loved it. He said in one isle its tinned peas and a leg of lamb, then an isle over guns

Don

 

[SiR-ROUND]

I know now how to do fibre, thx for the tut.