Making a polyester resin (fiberglass) mould - video tutorial

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Hi everyone!
I've noticed it can be a bit hard to find a full walk-through with all the information required to make a polyester resin (fiberglass) mould, so I thought I would create a video tutorial on what I personally do to create my moulds. Since I'm currently working on my second silicone tail, I decided that I finally knew enough about the process and thought I'd share what I have learned along the way! From my two tailmaking adventures I have made a full scale sheet mould (original was foam scales), individual scale moulds (of sculpted Monster Clay), and two fluke moulds (also of sculpted Monster Clay). I videoed myself making my most recent fluke mould and I have tried to narrate all the steps that I took to make it. This is my first attempt at a video tutorial, and I know it is not the best (I was using the equipment that I had on hand, and I get a bit nervous in front of a camera so I made a few mistakes), but I hope it will be a good resource for those starting out in the world of mould-making.

Part 1: Safety, materials and how to apply the gelcoat

https://youtu.be/EuVGcY3Ms1I
(Note: I mention acetone for cleaning brushes which I don't do personally, be aware that acetone eats into cured silicone and will inhibit the cure of fresh silicone, so again I wouldn't recommend it)

Part 2: Applying the polyester resin and matting, and tips on de-moulding

https://youtu.be/TMmUANOl05Y

Any questions, corrections or feedback are most welcome!

[Mermaid Kassandra]

You're a volcano!
I never though it could be helpful to make a video for this kind of moulds great idea lady 😉

[PearlieMae]

:clap: Brava!

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Kassandra, I'm assuming you mean my URL? It's a volcanic rock, yes :p
Thanks Pearlie :)

[Mermaid Kassandra]

Yes! 😁

[Mermaid Jessica Pearl]

Such good tutorials!

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Thanks Jess :)

[Mermaid Kim]

Hello Mermaid Kate
Loved the Video Share Tutorials! This did inspire me to build my Fluke this way. Question? Which is the best Resin to use? My surf shop sold me a Laminate Polyester Surfboard Resin which I tinted white and it looked pretty good. Any Advise here from your experience? Mermaid Ashton uses a PVA Mold Release skipping the Gel Coat part and it did work out just fine with my sample. Just wanted to know if you could advise on the Resin Issue. Looking for some feed back. Honestly I wish I would have just used the Ultra Cal on my Fluke as it is my second time trying to get it right. I just wanted to do something lighter and not heavy like my scale sheet. Thankyou so Much for any advise (: Once I finish my the Fluke I will be in the Silicone Zone Painting Putting together only SOOOO much play time in a day for a busy busy Momma!



Laminating resin (Evercoat # 100560, 100561) is used for initial coats on wood or for multiple applications with fiberglass cloth or mat. This resin is air-inhibited which means it will cure to a tacky finish and does not require sanding between coats. This is desirable in laminating because the layers adhere to each other better. This product should not be used as a final coat unless measures are taken to seal out the air during the curing process.
Marine and Fiberglass resin (Evercoat # 100553, 100552, 100554, 100517, 100518, 105499, 105498, 105500, and 105501) is non air-inhibited or waxed resin. It is for the final coat. This resin cures with a hard non-tacky surface. When the catalyzed resin is applied as a final coat to the laminate coats of resin, the wax rises to the top, sealing off the air and allows the resin to cure to a hard finish, which can then be sanded, painted or gel coated.

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Hi Kim, thank you!
Gel coats work for some people and not others, I would recommend it if your sculpt has lots of relief and steep bumps, as the normal resin won't stay on them very well.
Gel coat is the same as the unwaxed resin, as it remains sticky on the side that touches the air. The waxed resin that you have listed below (the marine and fiberglass one) should be fine, but always make sure you do a small test first to get the hang of it and also make sure your silicone will cure. Remember to leave the mould for at least 6 days though so it can release the gases, otherwise your silicone won't cure!

[Mermaid Kim]

Thankyou Mermaid Kate ..I did a test with it on some smaller scales with the product I used came out okay. If anything I am learning something about Resin "It's stinky" but there are some things I really like about it minus that. Good to know about the Gel Coat. All the Little Things that help along the way to Mermaid Crafting (: Got our Christmas Tree up today in the process of this all. Mold is outside/ Covered ready to Play with again. Was chased by a BIG Bee when putting on a layer of Beauty Coat. My husband was being entertained...seriously a BIG BEE! I think he wanted me to stop and I was so worried he would get stuck in the Resin! I would have been BEERY BEERY SAD:cry:

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