Fiberglass

RAW MATERIALS for FIBERGLASS REINFORCED PRODUCTS (FRP)

fiberglass mat, cloth, woven roving

Fiberglass is a common type of fiber-reinforced plastic using glass fiber. The fibers may be randomly arranged, flattened into a sheet called a chopped strand mat, or woven into glass cloth or thicker strands for woven roving.

Mat: We sell 1.5oz 50” mat in full rolls, 10-yard rolls, and 1 & 3 yard pieces. A full 50” roll weighs approximately 100 pounds and contains about 75 feet. 1.5oz means a square foot weighs 1.5 ounces.

Rolls: We stock 6”, 10” & 12” slit rolls of 1.5oz mat – each approximately 75 feet long.

Cloth: Fiberglass cloth comes in 6oz 50” – it is a plain weave fabric, light weight, smooth fabric, often used on surfboards and boats, provides strength both horizontally and vertically. This is a special order. Only sold by the full roll.

Roving: Woven roving is typically 24oz 50” – it is thick strands of fiberglass woven. It is typically used for building up strength and thickness in combination with chopped strand mat. This is a special order. Only sold by the full roll.

Gelcoats

Gel coats are available in two main types: general-purpose and tooling gel coat. Both are polyester-based resins that require MEKP (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide) as a catalyst. Gel coats come in a wide range of colors to suit different needs. For best results, spraying is the recommended application method. Before spraying, the gel coat should be thinned with styrene monomer to ensure proper flow. Although it can be brushed on, a sprayed finish typically yields a smoother and more professional appearance.

White gelcoat stocked in gallon cans and 5-gallon buckets – other colors and tooling gelcoats are special order.

General-purpose gel coat is softer and more flexible, making it well-suited for applications where constant vibration is expected. Its ability to flex without cracking makes it a versatile option.

Tooling gel coat, on the other hand, is harder and more resistant to scratches, making it ideal for mold surfaces that will undergo repeated use.

mekp 9: organic peroxide is the catalyst used to harden polyester resin and gelcoats.

The MEKP catalyst is a liquid formulation composed of methyl ethyl ketone peroxides and cumyl hydroperoxide suspended in a phlegmatizing agent. It serves as a polymerization initiator for curing specialized unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins at room temperature. Typical usage ranges from 1.25% to 1.75%, equivalent to approximately 1 ⅔ to 2 ⅓ ounces per gallon.

Polyester Resin

Polyester resin is the most widely used and cost-effective resin in the industry. It’s user-friendly and cures quickly when combined with MEKP (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide), making it a go-to choice for a variety of applications. We offer both general purpose polyester resin in 1- gallon (with or without the catalyst), 5 gallon pail (with or without the catalyst), & drum. Due to its fast-curing time and ability to add dimensional stability, polyester resin is ideal for the following:

Common Uses:
Boat construction and repair
Automotive body work
Surfboards and kayaks
Outdoor ponds and patio decks
Aircraft components
Shower pans
Various general-purpose structural projects

Ortho General Purpose Laminating Resin

While there are several formulations of Polyester Resins, this formulation is the most commonly used and is suitable for everyday applications. Within this category there are two main surface finish options: with and without wax.

Without Wax: Cures with a tacky surface, ideal for applying multiple layers since it enhances adhesion.

With Wax: Adding a surfacing agent or using a pre-mixed finish resin produces a tack-free, hardened final surface.

Aluminum Rollers

Fiberglass rollers are an important part of most fiberglass projects. They help evenly saturate the fiberglass and aid in getting rid of air pockets and excess resin. A good fiberglass roller will assist in creating a strong finished product. It is constructed of grooved aluminum on a sturdy plastic handle. Diameters ½”, ¾” and 1” (larger sizes available upon request) Length 3” or 6” (larger sizes available upon request)

disposable chip brushes

These wooden handles brushes have pure bristles, a plated steel ferrule and a convenient hanging hole for soaking and can be thrown away when the task is completed. Available in 1”, 2”, 3” or 4” widths.

Acetone

A chemical that is often used to clean up resin and gel coat residue before it fully hardens. Sold in pint, quart, gallons, 5 gallons and drums.

Stryene monomer

Used to thin polyester resin and gel coats. Stryene monomer gives the gel coat better flow when spraying or reduce brush marks when brushing and promotes cross-linking of the resin and catalyst. Special order item.