Whether you are using a male or female mold, creating a Class 'A' finish on the mold surface is critical. Just as boats and other fiberglass structures can deteriorate over time, a porous mold surface permits water, chemicals, or other harmful agents to enter the structural laminate below. The condition of the mold surface affects three important areas of the molding process:
- The quality of the mold's cosmetic finish will be reproduced in every part.
- The mold surface affects the release characteristics of the mold.
- The mold surface coat is the protective barrier to the rest of the mold.
For an in-depth description of the techniques necessary to achieve a Class 'A' mold surface finish as well as the steps required to maintain it, see the Plug Surface Preparation & Mold Surface Maintenance article in our Learning Center. Shop our complete selection of mold preparation products below!
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Add Styrene Wax to non-waxed polyester resin and gel coat to prevent the prolonged tackiness associated with thin...
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Time spent sanding plugs, molds, and finished parts will dramatically improve their longevity and quality. So, it's...
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These popular abrasive pads are coated on two sides with silicon carbide and are extremely flexible. Use them to...
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Avoid leaving finger pressure marks and make the job of hand sanding a little easier. Use with any grade sandpaper...
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3M ™ WETORDRY ™ Sponge Pads are ideal for eliminating fine scratches and finger waves...
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Make the finishing stages of mold-making go much smoother. This unique clipping system is designed to quickly joins...
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Fabricators use plastic release wedges to help remove medium-to-large parts from a mold. Wedges are inserted around...
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Experienced fabricators will likely run across that hard-to-separate part, whether it's larger in nature or just...
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