plug/mold surface finish for epoxy

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by srimes, Oct 19, 2010.

  1. srimes
    Joined: Sep 2008
    Posts: 283
    Likes: 30, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 214
    Location: Oregon

    srimes Senior Member

    I know you want a polished finish on a plug and mold for ester boats as that's what you end up seeing, but for epoxy layups you have to paint them after demolding. I saw someone on here mention that you don't want a super-fine mold finish for epoxy (I want to say it was Richard but I'm not sure). What level of mold surface finish is best for epoxy boats?
     
  2. War Whoop
    Joined: Jun 2003
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    Location: Sunny Ft Lauderdale Fla

    War Whoop Senior Member

    Not true ,I have pulled 41 foot Epoxy parts from highly polished molds.
     
  3. Herman
    Joined: Oct 2004
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    Location: The Netherlands

    Herman Senior Member

    You want highly polished. The only reason is that the better quality the surface of the mould is, the better it releases, without funny problems.

    Afterwards you will need to sand the product and paint it, but so what? You will need to do that anyway.

    If you ever need to make a matte finished product, you can use a matte mould sealer (Zyvax Sealmatte, for instance)

    And if you ever decide to make a polyester part, you can start right away.
     
  4. apex1

    apex1 Guest

    No, that was not me!

    I would recommend a high gloss finish, no matter the resin one uses for the part.

    And, as Herman said, you have to sand it anyway if it´s Epoxy.
     
  5. srimes
    Joined: Sep 2008
    Posts: 283
    Likes: 30, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 214
    Location: Oregon

    srimes Senior Member

    OK thanks y'all, I stand corrected. I was just thinking that since the part would be sanded and painted that the plug and mold would be fine with, say, a 220 grit sanded finish. But if polished is better that's good to know.
     

  6. apex1

    apex1 Guest

    It releases much easier, and that is what you need first! No hassle popping the structure out.
    The surface preparation, though important, is second.

    Regards
    Richard
     
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