Molding/fiberglass question

P

Phoenix

Hi , Im currently making a custom body kit , the plugs are done and SPI UV clear coated.

Before putting Gelcoat on it (then FG it) , what do I need to apply as a non-stick agent? I have heard some people saying carnuba wax it like 10 times , others seems to apply only a non stick agent (if anyone knows what this is please direct me in the right direction) , or do I need to do both?

Thanks
 
Years ago I worked at a fiberglass boat manufacturer. I do not remember the molds having any clear coat, just gel coat.

We waxed the molds, then sprayed a PVA release agent on it.
 
Yes , the plugs are cleared (body kit made of foam and body fillers topped with a clear coat) , and I want to make molds out of them. So that afterwards I can make the body kit in FG.

This is what im making molds of. And yes its a ford festiva (SHOGUN replica)

HPIM0145.JPG
 
Phoenix;18405 said:
Hi , Im currently making a custom body kit , the plugs are done and SPI UV clear coated.

Before putting Gelcoat on it (then FG it) , what do I need to apply as a non-stick agent? I have heard some people saying carnuba wax it like 10 times , others seems to apply only a non stick agent (if anyone knows what this is please direct me in the right direction) , or do I need to do both?

Thanks
Click to expand...
Not an expert in mold release products. West System has a pretty good reputation when it comes to fiberglass work and they have an interesting article that includes waxes, PVA and hairspray:
http://www.westsystem.com/ss/mold-release-pva-and-hairspray/

Because they sell a variety of mold release products, this site may also be helpful with your decision:
http://www.fiberglasssupply.com/Product_Catalog/Release_Agents/release_agents.html
 
Are you building a SHOgun, or just a body kitted Festiva?
 
Ohh its a shogun alright.

Even added a turbo :p

HPIM0141.JPG


I got a video of the shogun running , before it went in for the body work. : http://www.shospeed.com/pics/shogun.wmv


This is the start of the body making (on foam) :

HPIM0099.JPG


On body fillers

HPIM0126.JPG


And cleared.

HPIM0148.JPG


Now im making FG molds out of this , scrap all the foam work , and make me some nice FG parts.

And paint the whole damn thing.

This is the target (genuine Jay Leno's SHOgun one of 7):

89shogun_01.jpg
 
And this is my current sunday driver. Im a SHO nut , cant you tell? It has all the bolt ons , cams , all motor 3.2 makes 241 hp at the wheels (around 290 at the crank). Revs up to 8k.

image.php


image.php
 
2 of my friends drive SHO's, both are the V6 variety.


Have fun with it.
 
Phoenix;18405 said:
Hi , Im currently making a custom body kit , the plugs are done and SPI UV clear coated.

Before putting Gelcoat on it (then FG it) , what do I need to apply as a non-stick agent? I have heard some people saying carnuba wax it like 10 times , others seems to apply only a non stick agent (if anyone knows what this is please direct me in the right direction) , or do I need to do both?

Thanks
Click to expand...
I've used PVA only with success but have read of others using both: mold wax and PVA.
Here is where I buy when I want true fiberglass resins and materials as opposed to the hardware store resins which are waxed and IMO not ideal for laminating: http://www.lbifiberglass.com/. The site may offer up some info if nothing else.
PVA is also handy for curing the last layer of resin which stays sticky if using laminating resin. A light coat seals off air and lets it cure through, and it washes off easy with water.
 
We buffed and waxed our plugs prior to applying PVA. Same procedure is used when prepping the mold, polish, wax, apply PVA
 
Im using 3/4 by 3/4 square metal tubing , and im putting it everywhere where it could sag on me.
 
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