Lesson 1Types of fiberglass reinforcement: chopped strand mat, woven roving, biaxial/triaxial fabrics, stitched fabrics and directional fabricsHere we look at chopped strand mat, woven roving, biaxial and triaxial cloths, stitched ones, and aimed cloths, checking how they bend, show patterns, work strong, and fit outside shapes.
Chopped strand mat: uses and limitationsWoven roving for thickness and strengthBiaxial and triaxial fabrics for stiffnessStitched multiaxials vs traditional weavesDirectional layups for load‑bearing zonesLesson 2Environmental degradation mechanisms: UV, moisture, thermal cycling and how materials mitigate these effectsWe learn how sun rays, water, air, and hot-cold changes harm outside fiberglass, causing chalk, yellow, bubbles, small cracks, and how gelcoats, helpers, resin choice fight these.
UV‑induced yellowing, chalking and embrittlementMoisture ingress, blistering and hydrolysisThermal cycling, fatigue and microcrackingRole of gelcoat and topcoats in protectionMaterial selection for harsh outdoor climatesLesson 3Fiber weights and areal density selection: typical g/m2 ranges for cornice applications and impact on stiffness and weightWe see how cloth weight and stack order affect strongness, hit strength, pattern show, handling, with usual g/m² for roof edges and stack plans for outside building parts.
Common g/m² ranges for cornice laminatesBalancing stiffness, weight and costLayer stacking to control print‑throughLocal reinforcement in high‑stress areasHandling and wet‑out of heavy fabricsLesson 4Gelcoat selection: types, weather-resistant gelcoats, pigmentation and compatibility with polyester laminatesThis covers gelcoat kinds for outside, like ISO and vinyl ester ones, weather strong and sea types, color mixes, thickness watch, matching under polyester or vinyl ester layers.
ISO vs vinyl ester gelcoat selectionUV‑stable and marine‑grade gelcoatsPigments, color matching and hiding powerRecommended gelcoat film thickness rangeAvoiding defects and adhesion problemsLesson 5Common release agents: semi-permanent release films, PVA, waxes; selection criteria and interaction with gelcoat and mold surfacesWe check waxes, PVA, lasting release films, picking by mold type, use times, gelcoat kind, right putting on, shining, fixing stick or pattern problems.
Paste wax selection and buffing techniquePVA films: spray parameters and cleanupSemi‑permanent releases for high cyclesInteraction with gelcoat and mold surfacesDiagnosing and fixing release failuresLesson 6Resin additives and modifiers: thickeners, accelerators/inhibitors, UV stabilizers, flexibilizers, fire retardants and fillersDetails how thick makers, speeders, slowers, sun guards, bend helpers, fire stoppers, fillers change polyester and vinyl ester resins for thickness, set time, lasting, safe making.
Thickeners for sag control and vertical surfacesAccelerators and inhibitors for cure timingUV stabilizers for long‑term color retentionFlexibilizers for impact and crack resistanceFire retardant additives and smoke performanceLesson 7Polyester resin varieties: orthophthalic vs isophthalic vs vinyl ester for outdoor use, weathering and chemical resistanceCompares basic, better, top resins for outside, differences in water take, chem fight, tough, cost, when to step up for hard outside strong parts.
Orthophthalic resins: pros, cons and usesIsophthalic resins for improved durabilityVinyl ester for high corrosion resistanceWater absorption and osmotic blisteringCost versus performance trade‑off choicesLesson 8Catalyst chemistry and dosing: MEKP types, concentration guidelines, temperature effects and pot life implicationsCovers MEKP starter chem, usual strengths, safe hold, mix rules, how heat, resin amount, helpers change set time, use time, full set, layer good.
MEKP composition and activity differencesStandard catalyst percentage ranges by resinTemperature effects on gel time and exothermAdjusting pot life for part size and processSafe handling, storage and mixing practicesLesson 9Material sourcing and specification: reading datasheets, selecting supplier specifications and typical commercial part numbers to search forTeaches reading resin, gelcoat, cloth sheets, key facts, certs, compare sellers, find usual names, numbers for good buying.
Key resin and gelcoat datasheet propertiesReinforcement fabric styles and codesComparing supplier specs and tolerancesCertifications, standards and approvalsTypical commercial grades and part numbers
