How to Make Fiberglass Products

Because of its flexibility and durability, fiberglass is a versatile building material. Fiberglass building uses sheets that can be shaped to form items and combines these sheets with a resin that hardens the shape into a very strong finished product. Building things with fiberglass is a time-consuming step-by-step process, but the result is a finished product that is much stronger and more durable than any comparable plastic item.

Aluminum foil
Knife or razor blade
Masking tape
Sandpaper
Resin
Fiberglass sheets
Eye protection
Gloves
Respirator
Paint

Instructions

- 1
  Form the shape of your object from cardboard. Cut and shape it until it resembles a mold of the finished product.
- 2
  Cover the mold with aluminum foil, using tape to hold the foil in place. Ensure that no gaps or holes are present between the foil and mold. Spray this foil with a baking spray so the finished product does not stick.
- 3
  Mix and prepare your resin following the manufacturer's instructions. Work quickly, as the resin will begin to harden shortly after mixing.
- 4
  Coat one side of your first fiberglass sheet with resin and place the sheet on the mold. Cover the exposed side with resin, ensuring the fiberglass adheres completely to the mold. Give the first layer 8-12 hours to dry completely.
- 5
  Remove the mold from the fiberglass carefully, as the fiberglass is still fragile at this point. Continue repeating Step 4 with as many coats of fiberglass as you would like, waiting 30 minutes between each application. When finished applying sheets, allow 8-12 hours for the final product to dry.
- 6
  Using a file and sandpaper, begin to smooth the edges and surface of the fiberglass. Begin with a rough grit of sandpaper and end with a finer grit. Sand until the item feels smooth to the touch.
- 7
  Primer and paint the finished item, and include a clear coat on the finished product to prevent chipping or peeling.

Types of Soffits

Types of Bracing in Carpentry

Building Designs