oriol
Well-Known Member
Hi all!
I am working wih composites in order to build non structural parts such as cowlings or a seat... I am not trying to build a sailplane wing.
I am doing tests to learn the whole process about mold making, and the part that is causing me more trouble is that of releasing the mold.
I have been working really hard(!) to get a decent composite mold and I am scared to spoil it in case the fiber gets stuck to it if the release agent has not been well applied.
I tried with wax. Although I can release the final piece from the mold this way, part of the smoothness from the mold is lost during the process because the wax texture gets marked on the gelcoat. On the contrary if I do not apply enough wax the final piece gets stuck to the mold.
A local dealer specialised in composites sold me an hidroalcoholic solution as an alternative to the wax method.
The problem with the solution is that if applied with a brush to the surface of the mold the water tends to acumulate by gravity in the lowest part of the mold and mixing with the gelcoat while leaving the rest uncovered.
I thought that maybe I should apply the solution with a cotton barely impregnating the surface. If I do that I risk of not putting enough product to the surface, the final part can get stuck. Also It is hard to tell by a naked eye if I am applying enough substance to the mold.
Thanks in advance for your comments!
Oriol
I am working wih composites in order to build non structural parts such as cowlings or a seat... I am not trying to build a sailplane wing.
I am doing tests to learn the whole process about mold making, and the part that is causing me more trouble is that of releasing the mold.
I have been working really hard(!) to get a decent composite mold and I am scared to spoil it in case the fiber gets stuck to it if the release agent has not been well applied.
I tried with wax. Although I can release the final piece from the mold this way, part of the smoothness from the mold is lost during the process because the wax texture gets marked on the gelcoat. On the contrary if I do not apply enough wax the final piece gets stuck to the mold.
A local dealer specialised in composites sold me an hidroalcoholic solution as an alternative to the wax method.
The problem with the solution is that if applied with a brush to the surface of the mold the water tends to acumulate by gravity in the lowest part of the mold and mixing with the gelcoat while leaving the rest uncovered.
I thought that maybe I should apply the solution with a cotton barely impregnating the surface. If I do that I risk of not putting enough product to the surface, the final part can get stuck. Also It is hard to tell by a naked eye if I am applying enough substance to the mold.
Thanks in advance for your comments!
Oriol
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