Answer Question... get a cookie!

[blahism]

Hey All!

I'm psyched because a friend gave me some left over fiberglass and resin to try out. I've been googling it and its only popping up molding instructionals.. and I'm just not a molder yet. Is it possible to work with fiberglass with out having to follow a molding process first. Anyone here use fiberglass?

Thanks!

And Dennis.. if you read this.. I missss you <3

[sharry]

Yep you can use it without moulds but you will need some sort of support structure. I've used a variety of wires, twisted and formed into shape, chicken wire I've used to cover large areas, I've also used the metal mesh sheets you use for car body work. Don't use expanded/polystyrene foam as the resin will melt it. Although you can use polystyrene to bulk up with, give it a good coating of plaster or jesmonite and work on top of that. Ive also used thick card but it will stick. You can use a fair amount of different materials but I tend to keep them light as I usually leave the structure in place to help support it. You can also use plaster to work over but you need something like a crystic mould release so it wont stick (I think that's the right word, it's a long time since I used this method). I've not tried it but I remember someone using green (still damp) plaster shapes to mould around for the structure, then once the resin/glass has set remove it and carry on building the resin/glass on top. The resin gets hot as it cures and the moisture in the damp plaster's supposed to stop it sticking to it. It's not really something that's self supporting as the resin is liquid and the fiberglass soften slightly in it. If you want to get smoother finish use fiberglass tissue. When using moulds lay down a gel coat first (pure resin layer). You can thicken the resin with talc, this also helps control the thermal curing reaction and can help prevent cracking. Don't use too much catalyst in the mix as it will get too hot, probably crack while curing and even burst into flames!

What kind of things are you planning to use it for as that's going to affect how you use it.

It's also very important to wear a chemical mask and/or use in a VERY well ventilated area as the gases are not at all good for you. Keep your skin and eyes covered as well.

[blahism]

What a wonderful reply! Very informative.

As far as what I'd like to make.. I was thinking a large sculpture.. or prop replica. Comic-Con is coming up and a costume needs preppin'!

Thanks again for your great reply!

[jedideni]

Pop Tart!

Sharry's got ya covered.

As far as applying the resin and cloth you'll want some old/cheap paint brushes. Paint on a layer of resin then lay down some cloth strips. Use the brush to dab and push the cloth into the first layer of resin. You can then paint more resin over any thin areas. Repeat, repeat, repeat until you get the thickness you're after.

Using strips of cloth on smaller things helps the cloth lay down flat whereas a large "blanket" of cloth is harder to work with and might bunch up on you as you work. Lay on your cloth a little beyond the finished part so you have some trim to cut off later. It's tough to get a nice edge, especially if you're not used to working with the stuff.

Oh and wear disposable gloves and an apron or junky old clothes because you will get some on you no matter how hard you try.

After your resin has set up and hardened, you'll need to trim the edges because it's going to have rough, sharp little poking fiberglass needles sticking out to jab you. If you have a Dremel with a cuting disc, you can cut along the outline of your final piece and then sand it smooth. Dust mask, eye protection and work gloves--stay safe 'cuz the dust is itchy gets everywhere.

And Dennis.. if you read this.. I missss you <3

Well, aren't you just the sweetest! Right back at ya!

[jedideni]

Oh ya! One more thing.....what kind of cookie????

[sharry]

I always forget about this but have a search on google books cos there's sometimes books on there and they can have some really good ref material and info... did a quick search and found this in a few seconds
http://books.google.com/books?id=WV0gJK ... ss&f=false

[amusedjester]

My answer is 42.

i want a big, chewy chocolate chip cookie!!

C is for cookie, that's good enough for me...


jr

[blahism]

Wonderful! If any of you are in Key West, Fl or Sand Diego, Ca... I have TRIPLE choco chip cookies waiting for ya!

Love you guys!