Low cost Chopped Strand Mats are ideal for rapid buildup whereas Woven Fabrics can be used for surfacing or weight critical applications. T he natural properties of fiberglass make it the ideal reinforcement for many applications where weight is critical. These are superior weaves and types which offer a natural balance between tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths. The second step in choosing materials is to choose either epoxy or polyester resin. You may also want to consider a surface or gel coat.
Epoxies offer high strength, high adhesion and impact resistance.
They are temperamental and require temperatures around 75 degrees. Polyester resins are naturally resistant to ultraviolet light and are used more widely than any other type of resin. They are less troublesome than epoxies, but also require careful mixing and ambient temperatures. Vinyl Ester Resins are typically used in applications requiring corrosion resistance including building and repairing chemical storage tanks. Vinyl Esters are often described as a cross between polyester and epoxy as it falls between them in both price and handling characteristics.