Fiberglass Resin, Cloth & Mat

RESIN: Without resin the fiberglass itself would be useless for building anything requiring rigidity. Resin is mixed with a catalyst before application to the fiberglass. The drying process involves a chemical reaction which has several variables including, the amount of catalyst, temperature, humidity, and any water present in the fiberglass resin (water shouldn't be there!).When the chemical reaction between the catalyst and fiberglass resin takes place heat is produced, depending on the thickness of the resin the temperatures can get quite hot. Enough to melt plastic in extreme cases. Cloth:Fiberglass tissue as the name suggests is a very thin tissue like layer of fiberglass, it is very smooth and porous and the tissue sits underneath the gelcoat. Tissue helps to smooth out the inherent roughness of fiberglass matting, while also adding strength. Mat: Fiberglass matting makes up the bulk of any fiberglass bodied car. Several layers are built up one on top of another until the desired thickness and strength is achieved. This is what you might see if you look at the inside of a fiberglass panel. ShopSmart Where Smart Shops Shop Smart