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Using the Materials Calculator
Materials Calculator for Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, Resin and more. Whether you're working with fiberglass, carbon fiber, or Kevlar, this calculator helps you determine how much material and resin you'll need based on the size and number of your parts. No more guesswork — just quick, accurate estimates that help you buy exactly what you need. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned professionals looking to save time and money on material planning. The Materials Calculator can be found here. INPUTS Step 1 - Enter Dimensions and Desired Thickness Start by inputting the basic measurements for your composite project: Length and Width – Enter the size of the part or mold you plan to fabricate. Desired Thickness – This determines how many layers of reinforcement you'll need. Tip: If you're not sure how thick your part should be, see below for help choosing layers and materials. Step 2 - Select Materials for Your Project Next, choose the reinforcement material you'd like to use from the drop-down menu, such as: Chopped Strand Mat Woven Fiberglass Carbon Fiber Kevlar® Not sure what to use?Consult our white paper: What Do I Need for My Composite Project? Adjusting Layers for Thickness If you know your desired thickness (e.g., 0.25"), you can increase the number of fabric layers to reach it. For example: Using 6 layers of Chopped Strand Mat will help achieve a thickness slightly over 0.25” which is ideal for mold building. Alternatively, if you already know the number of layers you want to use, the calculator will reverse-calculate the final part thickness. Note: Be sure to account for core material and coating thickness: Gel Coat / Surface Coat: Add ~0.020"–0.025" Core material: and 0.125”-2” depending on thickness you choose Paint / Clear Coat: Typically, negligible in thickness: 0.001-0.003” RESULTS On the right side of the calculator, you’ll find a summary showing: Estimated Final Thickness (excluding core and coatings) Total Fabric Required Fibre Glast sells fabrics in: Pre-packaged sizes: 1, 3, and 5 yards Cut-to-length: Starting at 10 yards Round up your order to ensure you have enough material, especially for odd shapes or layered builds. Estimate Resin RequirementsThe calculator also estimates how much resin you’ll need, based on: Formula: Resin weight = Fabric weight × 1.75This result is shown in pounds, matching how resins are sold at Fibre Glast. Be sure to check the product description for weight per unit: Example: A gallon of 78-A Polyester Resin weighs ~9 lbs. In Practice:If your project requires 6.429 lbs. of resin: 1 gallon (9 lbs.) covers it with margin If you’re skilled at hand lay-up and want less waste, 3 quarts (~6 lbs.) may suffice Print the results for future reference. Final Thoughts The Fibre Glast Materials Calculator is designed to make your project planning smarter and more efficient. With just a few inputs, you’ll know: How much fabric to order. What your final part thickness will be. How much resin is needed down to the pound. Head over to the calculator and plan your next lay-up with confidence: Try it now!
Using the Materials Calculator
Materials Calculator for Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, Resin and more. Whether you're working with fiberglass, carbon fiber, or Kevlar, this calculator helps you determine how much material and resin you'll need...
ChromaGlast™ Troubleshooting Guide
The attached document is a reprint of the PPG book A Guide to Identifying and Solving Common Paint Problems. The book was originally printed in 1993, and was out of print prior to the 2017 launch of ChromaGlastTM Premium Paint for Fiberglass and Composites. This book with photos does an excellent job of describing and troubleshooting typical problems with paint applications.
ChromaGlast™ Troubleshooting Guide
The attached document is a reprint of the PPG book A Guide to Identifying and Solving Common Paint Problems. The book was originally printed in 1993, and was out of...
ChromaGlast™ Paint vs. Gel Coat
The purpose of this article is to compare and explain the types of applications where gel coat or ChromaGlastTM Paint would be used. If you are interested in troubleshooting your gel coat or ChromaGlastTM application, please see either our Gel Coat Troubleshooting article or ChromaGlastTM Troubleshooting article.
ChromaGlast™ Paint vs. Gel Coat
The purpose of this article is to compare and explain the types of applications where gel coat or ChromaGlastTM Paint would be used. If you are interested in troubleshooting your...
Casting and Molding: Urethanes vs. Composites
Casting urethanes are versatile materials that can be used alone, with one another, or even with composites. From flexible molds to durable, impact-resistant parts, our selection of urethanes provides a wide range of properties for a variety of uses.
Casting and Molding: Urethanes vs. Composites
Casting urethanes are versatile materials that can be used alone, with one another, or even with composites. From flexible molds to durable, impact-resistant parts, our selection of urethanes provides a...
About Resins
Composites are a combination of fiber reinforcements and resin. The physical properties of composites are fiber dominate, meaning that the performance of finished parts is most directly related to that of the reinforcement. So what role does a resin play? This article will answer that and provide a basic understanding of the resin options available at Fibre Glast.
About Resins
Composites are a combination of fiber reinforcements and resin. The physical properties of composites are fiber dominate, meaning that the performance of finished parts is most directly related to that...
Getting Started in Composites
The exciting thing about composites is that an ordinary person can make things that they have never been able to make before, such as bathtubs, a boat, or a motorcycle! Race car bodies, canoes, airplanes, model aircraft, jet skis, boats, sculptures as well as traditional industrial molding and model making have taken on a new dimension as fiberglass becomes less of a mystery, easier to use, and easier to buy!
Getting Started in Composites
The exciting thing about composites is that an ordinary person can make things that they have never been able to make before, such as bathtubs, a boat, or a motorcycle!...
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