Fibreglass work: Estimating quantities

1. Accurately measure the catalyst and thoroughly stir it into the Resin, ensuring you wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. Ideally, use a Catalyst dispenser for precise measurement.
3. Adding the catalyst initiates the curing process of the resin, and the reaction rate depends on the specific resin and catalyst activity.
4. Avoid mixing more resin than you can practically use; work with smaller, more manageable quantities if necessary. Unused resin will cure, leading to an exothermic reaction. If you have leftover resin, move it to a safe outdoor area and fill the container with cold water. In an unfilled casting, this reaction can generate temperatures over 150 degrees Celsius, while in the laminate, it will be considerably lower.
5. As soon as the resin begins to thicken to a jelly-like consistency, cease laminating and promptly clean your tools and immediate work area.
6. When using Gelcoats, always use a 2% catalyst.
7. If adding pigment, do so before adding the catalyst, ensuring thorough stirring and mixing. Be cautious not to under or over pigment the mixture.

Please note that the guidelines provided for estimating Resin to Fibreglass ratios are approximations and intended as general guidelines only. Variations in laminate complexity and mould surface may slightly alter the quantities required.

Material                                             Resin 300g (1oz) CSM                               650g Resin per m2 450g (1 ½ oz) CSM                          1kg  Resin per m2 600g (2oz) CSM                               1.4kg Resin per m2 900g (1oz) CSM                               2 kg Resin per m2 125g Plain weave Glass cloth          150g Resin per m2 200g Plain weave Glass cloth          250g Resin per m2 300g Woven Roving                         300g Resin per m2 600g Woven Roving                         600g Resin per m2 800g Woven Roving                         800g Resin per m2 600/300 Combination Matt           1.2 kg Resin per m2 800/450 Combination Matt           1.7 Kg Resin per m2 450g Biaxial Glassfibre                 500g Resin per m2 600g Biaxial Glassfibre                 700g Resin per m2 800g Biaxial Glassfibre                 900g Resin per m2 200g Carbon Fibre                        300g Resin per m2 375g Carbon Fibre                        550g Resin per m2 650g Carbon Fibre                        950g Resin per m2 180g Kevlar/Aramid                      270g resin per m2 300g Kevlar/Aramid                  450g resin per m2