Looking for alternative to...............

[Alan]

Fiberglass matting......
is there something i can use thats easier to work with for the first couple layers?
then i can take the first two out, and work on it out of my truck... ???
also something similar in cost would be good
thanks

[davidjs]

Well, there's always fiberglass cloth... a lot of the people on here also use t-shirt material, or sweat fleece...

for the first couple of layers i would use the 'glass cloth or tshirt material...

[musthavemuzk]

tshirt material has been recomended to me many times over for use on the first wrap layer of kick panels or sub box tops.
for the back i would go fleece or glass cloth. if you go fleece remember that it takes alot of resin to soak the fleece properly.

Monty

[ramos]

It's a little more expensive, but If you were you use some of the biaxial woven mat like kyntex. For the first layer you will save a ton of time and effort. One layer has the strength of several layers of lighter mat. And it's alot easier to work with than regular stranded mat.

[Steven Kephart]

I kind of figure that the t-shirt material or fleece would be similar to work with as mat. But you wouldn't be adding any strength to your project, so you are just adding unecessary thickness. What is so hard about using mat?

If you are using small strips, try tearing large pieces instead. This might make it easier for you. Also try applying some resin to the surface before you lay down your mat. This will allow it to stick to the surface, and not your brush. Plus the resin will soak through faster. Also try tearing your mat into pieces and lay it down before you mix your resin. Lay down all the pieces to cover the whole area, and then cover that with more pieces for a second layer. Then just set those pieces aside, mix your resin, and lay those pieces back down. That way your not trying to tear it whith resin all over your fingers.

As you do more projects, you will see how the mat conforms to the curves as you add resin. Then you will know where to tear the mat so it forms easier, and you aren't fighting it to stay down.

Good luck!

[musthavemuzk]

a/d/s man i take it you play alot with glass?

you sure have come to bat with alot of good tips as of late.

and i say thank you.

Monty

[Steven Kephart]

Originally posted by musthavemuzk
a/d/s man i take it you play alot with glass?

you sure have come to bat with alot of good tips as of late.

and i say thank you.

Monty

Well thanks. I started about 6 months ago, and have done many projects since. In fact right now we have 3 different fiberglass projects going at our shop.

[NovaMan]

i thank you once again for your great fiberglass tips... you should make a tutorial about 'glassing some time if you ever have time it would be awesome you seem to know quite abit of tips and tricks.


Nova Status: 2 layers of peel and seal complete 1 layer to go, then lay down carpet and order 10" Edesigns K and start my glassing project.

Im so excited lol

[Steven Kephart]

One more idea that might help you guys. It might make it easier to apply the mat better.

Try taking a large, flat piece of cardboard and smoothing out some resin on it while you are holding it. Then take your pieces of mat, and place it on the resin. Then just apply some resin to the mat, and use a fiberglass roller until it is completely soaked. Now pull the soaked mat from the cardboard and apply it to your project. It will definitely stick where you want it to. Just be careful to not let it fold over on itself. Now just use the roller to smooth it on and get rid of the bubbles.

Good luck, and thanks for the compliments.

[musthavemuzk]

so where can we get this roller you talk about?

Monty