tools and accessories
Mixing Cups or Buckets
For mixing resins, pigments, gelcoats, flo-cotes etc. polythene containers are ideal. A typical one is ice-cream containers. Do not use Polystyrene - it can be dissolved by polyester resin. While some cardboard containers can be used, it is advisable to try a small amount to see whether or not the polyester will attack it. It wouldn't do to have it all fall out the bottom five minutes after you had started!
Brushes & Rollers
For applying the resin. Use tools specifically made for fibre-glassing - conventional decorator tools often use adhesives which are attacked by the resin. For brushes, unpainted or plastic handles are more desirable as washing the brushes in acetone often causes the paint to come off and so colour the resin itself.
Laminating Rollers
Come in both plastic and metal and a variety of shapes and sizes. They are needed to consolidate the resin glass-fibre laminate and remove any air from that laminate. Do not use conventional rollers for this purpose.
Catalyst Dispenser
A purpose-made dispenser is essential for measuring out liquid catalyst. For small amounts a measuring syringe can be used.
For mixing resins, pigments, gelcoats, flo-cotes etc. polythene containers are ideal. A typical one is ice-cream containers. Do not use Polystyrene - it can be dissolved by polyester resin. While some cardboard containers can be used, it is advisable to try a small amount to see whether or not the polyester will attack it. It wouldn't do to have it all fall out the bottom five minutes after you had started!
Brushes & Rollers
For applying the resin. Use tools specifically made for fibre-glassing - conventional decorator tools often use adhesives which are attacked by the resin. For brushes, unpainted or plastic handles are more desirable as washing the brushes in acetone often causes the paint to come off and so colour the resin itself.
Laminating Rollers
Come in both plastic and metal and a variety of shapes and sizes. They are needed to consolidate the resin glass-fibre laminate and remove any air from that laminate. Do not use conventional rollers for this purpose.
Catalyst Dispenser
A purpose-made dispenser is essential for measuring out liquid catalyst. For small amounts a measuring syringe can be used.