Working with fiberglass and resin

[Egon Spengler]

I've worked with it before, and its not nearly as much of a pain as many act like it is, but I have a question.


Just a quick example of what I'm looking to do.

If I made a large paper mache sphere and wanted to cover half of it with fiberglass cloth and resin, then tear out the excess so i have half a sphere, would it work? Im not worried about it being a absolutely uniform shape, it can be a bit bumpy and rough.

Would it work and would I just have to sand it down on the outer surface to smooth it? Again, not too worried about the fiberglass texture showing. I'm just looking to make a quick shape this way.

Also, whats a good fabric to apply fiberglass resin and activator to besides fiberglass cloth? I'm going to need a lot of material for this.

Will this work?

 

[CustomPropSculptorGuy]

It should - but I would still use fiber cloth. I know smooth-on has a product called Shell Shock this is effin awesome. Light weight, strong as hell and is fairly inexpensive - I used it to make a car bumper for a friend once and it's still working perfect and that was almost 2 years ago...

 

[fuelish]

I will reiterate what I said in OT(Before the delete request). You can make a paper mache mold, line the contact side with wax paper and probably pop your fiber piece out with out to much trouble.
As long as it does not need to be structural, yoou can use a bed sheet or whatever for your cloth(Spill some resin on a shop rag and see) Use two layers to be sure.

 

[weaponx82]

... I know smooth-on has a product called Shell Shock this is effin awesome. Light weight, strong as hell and is fairly inexpensive ...

Plasti-paste is another option from smooth on. It's often used as an alternative to using fiber glass and resin when making mother molds. You mix the two parts up and start to slather it on! It's good at forming to your shape you're laying it on but it's thick enough that it really doesn't sag or drip. You can then file and sand it down once it's set. You may want to pick up a trial size container and do a test to see if you like it.

 

[Egon Spengler]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like I should just use fiberglass cloth then because this thing will need to have plenty of strength to it.

 

[Finhead]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like I should just use fiberglass cloth then because this thing will need to have plenty of strength to it.

How big are you trying to make this? I would use the mat and if you want a smoother outside give a layer of tissue, much nicer finish and cheap.

 

[mdb]

Check out car customisers Wood and lycra to make the shapes, then resined to make the cloth rigid before being matted.
http://www.girlsnmotors.co.uk/car-modifying/custom-boot-install.html
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=380196&highlight=shroud
http://bikerodnkustom4.homestead.com/sidecar.html
http://www.newtiburon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95953

I've tested a few fabrics with resin but the matting/cloth is vital. Anything else will tear.

I use good old cling film to cover my base shapes such as a mannequin or ball etc. I am using epoxy resin in these cases so it may be different if you are using urethane or polyester.

 

[Egon Spengler]

Finhead, its for a large costume I can get into. I don't want to reveal too much about it but the legs and arms and back will be made from fiberglass. What do you mean a layer of tissue? What kind of tissue?


MBD: Thanks for the great links!

I think I'll go with your suggestion and just use cling film over the form and use matting and resin right over that Checked out your costuming link too, you're very talented! Great stuff! Really like all of your stuff from the Renaissance to the film costumes. Great work!

 

[Finhead]

Fiberglass tissue leaves a nice finish on your piece. Just lay it overtop of your mat, you could also start with a layer of tissue so you have a nicer finish on your inside piece as well.
Fist google like to a supplier.

http://www.lbie.com/fsm.htm

Finhead, its for a large costume I can get into. I don't want to reveal too much about it but the legs and arms and back will be made from fiberglass. What do you mean a layer of tissue? What kind of tissue?


MBD: Thanks for the great links!

I think I'll go with your suggestion and just use cling film over the form and use matting and resin right over that Checked out your costuming link too, you're very talented! Great stuff! Really like all of your stuff from the Renaissance to the film costumes. Great work!