finishing fiberglass with moldless design

2859 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by swoodard23, Jan 22, 2003

swoodard23

Discussion Starter · Jan 21, 2003

I just layed 4 layers of fiberglass mat today and am very impressed with its strength. It was flat and still had very strong characteristics. My question is to see if anyone has any tips on how to get a good surface on it without using a smooth mold. I know you can use bondo, but there has to be an easier(and lighter) way. Perhaps something spray on? Something must be done because the surface is very irregular because of the strand mat. Any suggestions or webpages would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Scott

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Halloweenking

· #2 · Jan 21, 2003

Gel Coat or another layer of resin sanded smooth. I recomend Gel Coat. Buy it spray it, your good to go.

HK

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[email protected]

· #3 · Jan 22, 2003

That's the way Ed Roth made his show cars (Mysterion, Road Agent, Beatnik Bandit, etc). He would spend hours making a pefect plaster male model of the body then lay the 'glass over the top of the smooth plaster. Then he pounded the plaster out and spent countless hours smoothing off the rough fiberglass surface. Give me a female mold anyday!!

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Shawn Asseln

· #4 · Jan 22, 2003

After you lay down your mat you can coverit with a good quality wax paper till it gels as to give it a smooth finish and this will also help keep the mat under the surface which is what you want. I have even covered it with cardboard on flat to semi flat areas to hold it true and keep it from sliding. after it is kicked I would attack it with a 36 grit grinder and remove the cardboard and overlaying 'glass, one swipe with a little plastic and ready for primer.

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swoodard23

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 22, 2003

I wish I could use a female mold but I am trying to stay within a budget on designing the body. The wax paper idea sounds great. I will have to try to figure out how to use it on some of the curves. I did want to ask if I should still use a gelcoat.
Thanks,
Scott

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