Kayak Build

[weissmarine]

What is a good way to insure your glass separates from a fiberglass mold? Preperation? Releases?

[the1much]

both ,, doing BOTH right is the ONLY way to get a release.

[weissmarine]

What kind of mold release should I use when I have a fiberglass mold? What is the best to insure a good separation? Thanks.

[the1much]

i use frekote,,,and has always worked, so havent tried others,,,,,but the stuff is bad,bad,bad, stuff,, and ALL precautions need to be followed to the letter!,,
heres just the first google link to it,,,,,, http://www.henkelna.com/cps/rde/xchg...and=0000000383

[weissmarine]

Thanks for the feedback. I am trying build a surf kayak. Would you use cloth or mat for the first layer, and what do you prefer for additonal layers? How many should I go? What resin do you prefer, poly or epoxy? Appreciate any advice. Do you build boats? Thanks again.

[Landlubber]

weissmarine,

Just buy some wax from the local grp supplier, it is put on with a soft cloth, only do less than a yard at a time, rub it off, finish the whole boat, then do it again. If the mould has not been used for a while, say 12 months, do it 3 or 4 times. It appears that you are getting nowhere, but you are impregnating the mould with wax, and it really does do the job.

Yes epoxy is better all round than polyesters, except for cost, but for such a little boat it means bugger all.
The first layer in the mould is gelcoat, put iton about 1/2 a mm thick, then follow up with a glass tissue, do this when the gelcoat has gone off, say late in the afternoon, then next day do a single layer of 300g csm, then put in 1 layer of core mat, then one more 300g csm, and that will do for a small boat. It will be quite strong as the core mat goves the laminate beam.

[tinhorn]

I've used those fancy-schmancy release agents, but my favorite is regular old mold release wax. Like Landlubber says, wax repeatedly. I use different hands on different applications, and wax in a different pattern each time. Part of the reason for multiple coats is to insure that no spot gets missed.

If the mold is new, in addition to waxing thoroughly (and/or using other mold releases) apply the gelcoat hot (catalyzed to the max), then after it cures, blow it all out with your air hose. In the rare event your first part sticks, it's better to lose just the gelcoat than the whole darned part. Easier to fix, too.

[weissmarine]

the1much, landlubber, and tinhorn really appreciate the advice. From what I got from you all 1) preperation is the key 2) a good mold Release agent/3 to 4applications 3) gelcoat 1/2 mm thick 4) cloth -mat -cloth with an epoxy resin - probably will use west systems. We shall see how it goes. Again thank you! Weiss Marine. www.weissmarine.com

[SamSam]

Buy this book. 123 pages packed with information.

Boatbuilder's Manual-Building Fiberglass Canoes and Kayaks for Whitewater
Menasha Ridge Press (1986) $ 9.95
Fiberglass, laminate construction techniques for small craft.
Pages: 127 Soft Cover

http://www.chicagolandcanoebase.com/...strt=1&show=10

[weissmarine]

Thanks Sam Sam, l will look into it.

[tiggertrax]

Newbie but there is looks to be allot of good info on manufacture sites. A link such as this .
http://www.fiberglasswarehouse.com/g...pplication.asp
I have seen many like this so i don't believe it to be bi est different product same concept. looking at the same thing thats why i joined 1st post.looks like a wealth of knowledge in one spot. good luck

[kengrome]

What is a good way to insure your glass separates from a fiberglass mold? Preperation? Releases?

This may sound strange but I have used petroleum jelly with great success. Not only is it cheap but nothing sticks to it.

[the1much]

um,,,,"strange" isnt the word i came up with,,,hehe

[kengrome]

I can't help it Jim, that stuff always seems to be around for one reason or another ...