Fiberglass

[Kissker]

Just wondering the best method to work with this junk, since I havnt before. first thing on the to do list is "reinforce boba helm with 2 inch strips of fiberglass cloth" basically a strip for each cheek, some for the dome, and the back/ears.. so the shape stays. Will it work? will it hold? shouldi try something else?

 

[FettTheHunter]

Hi

I used fibre glass to re-enforce my don post 97 and it worked just fine
It was easy stuff to use too ... no where near as technical as I thought it would be. dont forget to rough up the surface before applying.



Randy
:jet pack

 

[Jaiden]

Will the same roughing up work for a Rubies?

 

[FettTheHunter]

I dont see why not ... a nice rough sandpaper should do the trick

 

[Kissker]

now i heard a few things.. use cloth, and something else... a loose fiber thing.. should i use the cloth? the mat seems real thick.. and i dont know if i can get my skull in if i use it... so..umm.. ya..

 

[PropReplicator]

I like the mat better, it's easier to get the air bubbles out and the resin worked in. It also seems to contour to irregular shapes better, IMO. The mat gets thin when you use it, not even as thick as the cloth.

Just get good stiff throw-away brushes to use. And don't "paint" the mat onto the resin, "stipple" the mat into the resin.

W.

 

[Boba Swede]

I like the mat better, it's easier to get the air bubbles out and the resin worked in. It also seems to contour to irregular shapes better, IMO. The mat gets thin when you use it, not even as thick as the cloth.

Just get good stiff throw-away brushes to use. And don't "paint" the mat onto the resin, "stipple" the mat into the resin.

W.

I usually put a few brush strokes of Polyester resin first. Just to give something for the fibreglass to hold on to. Then i "stipple" the remaining resin onto the fibreglass. But perhaps Proprelicators way is better..

 

[Kissker]

just one question.. what the *censored by self* is stippling? Lmfao, stop using big words! Iam tired! fumes are getting to me!

 

[PropReplicator]

I usually put a few brush strokes of Polyester resin first. Just to give something for the fibreglass to hold on to. Then i "stipple" the remaining resin onto the fibreglass. But perhaps Proprelicators way is better..

That's what I meant, I guess I wasn't clear. Sorry.

First off, mix up your resin in small batches. Nothing is worse than having a can full of cured resin and you've only been able to use a small bit of itbefore it hardened. And pre-cut your fiberglass mat or cloth into small squares (3"x3" or so) or strips, depending on the layout of whatever your fiberglassing. If you have large flat areas, your pieces can be bigger. But with something with a lot of contour, you'll want the smaller pieces.

You paint on a thin layer of resin in a small area (maximum of 6 square inches or so, especially as you're learning this process), take a dry square of mat/cloth and lay it on top of the resin you just painted on, and "stipple" the mat/cloth into the resin. "Stippling" just just sort of pouncing the mat down onto the resin with your stiff bristled brush instead of using a typical "painting" brush stroke (a brush stroke will do nothing but make a huge mess.) Keep stippling until you see that the mat/cloth is completely impregnated with the resin, flat against your surface, and there are no air bubbles. Then grab another dry piece and start right next to the one you just finished.

You have to work pretty fast, that's why it's best to mix up small batches at a time.

Finally, wear disposable rubber gloves AND DON'T SKIMP OUT ON YOUR RESPIRATOR! It is NOT enough just to work in a well-ventilated area if you are doing something as large as a helmet.

Good luck, and have fun!

Wayne

 

[Kissker]

i am doing this in my basement, next to a door and a window (kind of a cross breeze) would you suggest using a fan to help or buy a respirator? (limited funds for extras now) lol

 

[PropReplicator]

Buy a respirator, without a doubt. Fumes will get "stuck" inside the helmet where you're working, and you'll have your face right down there sucking it up. Cross breezes and open windows aren't enough, IMO, when you're gambling with your lungs.

W.

 

[PropReplicator]

And don't just get those paper masks, you'll need a decent respirator with replaceable filters. They aren't that expensive at Home Depot or Lowe's.

Wayne

 

[Boba Swede]

And don't just get those paper masks, you'll need a decent respirator with replaceable filters. They aren't that expensive at Home Depot or Lowe's.

Wayne

Darn.. i've been using papper masks .. but then again.. i've been working outside so hopefully it won't be as hard on my lungs..

 

[PropReplicator]

Well, some paper masks are better than others, nowadays. Hopefully you've got a chemical mask and not just a particle mask.

W.

 

[Boba Swede]

A bit OT but when me and my dad made my Terrarium out of resin and Fibreglass we used those paint rollers. Worked pretty good. But we used the foam peices and not the "lint" ones. not very practical when lining your bucket but should work well for other& large areas like armour and stuff..