Learn fiberglassing: how to make a cardboard mold

This tutorial is about making molds with simple materials to make a fiberglass part.
It is difficult to get much accuracy with cardboard, but the better the mold, the better the part... so, we can get a good result.
Repairs can be made with body filler.
The mold release agent is a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and hydrated ethyl alcohol (1:1).
What I mix with the resin is the catalyst/hardener that comes with it (as oriented by the manufacturer).
While working with fiberglass, always use equipments for individual safety.

[@bigpaul5528]

Thank you for the great video, aside from the fact that people are nitpicking the "Demo" vs "Tutorial", good grief get a life people. It was very clear, even to a complete novice like myself, on how to create a mold and lay fiberglass. Thank you.

[@MechDickel]

Thank you very much for your comment. I'm glad that you liked it!

[@onlyKRIZAN]

heard "garage" three years ago could not find out who created it. Thank you for pointing the artist. Great idea on fiberglass. May the wind always be on your back, you shall travel far in your life

[@MechDickel]

Thanks for your comment!

[@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958]

Nice part. Using the contact paper was a nice trick. Waxed paper works for a lot of things, but the adhesive on the contact paper makes it useful in a lot more situations. Will definitely try this next time I need to make a shape.

[@MechDickel]

Thanks!

[@Wooley689]

Damn good idea using the plastic film, I have to use that.

[@MechDickel]

Thanks!

[@jdcustomz]

Great tutorial!. Thank you. Hundreds of videos i have watched over the years and this is perfect for simple molds. Thank you!!

[@MechDickel]

Thank you!

[@jessbubb6339]

Sometimes its the simplest information like this that make the difference... thanks!

[@MechDickel]

Thank YOU!

[@maeghendaly1002]

This is immensely helpful for me. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@thegreenmachine.77]

Looking to make a hard top for my van. Thanks for intro to fiberglass mold making!

[@Castro3868]

Awesome video! I've been looking for something like this to create my own moulds. You made it so simple. Thank you

[@MechDickel]

I'm glad that you liked it. Thank you very much for your comment!

[@walkertongdee]

Take that fiberglass part fair one side gel coat and reinforce it and you have a mold. Then that cardboard mold was essentially the plug, Cool vid...

[@shreyasmathuria732]

Can you pls suggest how much thick flat strips should be made for a bow limb and what thickness fiberglass ROVING / MAT to use with which resin. hope the process would be same as shown in the video thanks

[@baltsosser]

nice use of the contact paper for mold release

[@MechDickel]

Thank you very much for your comment!

[@hamstrungharry259]

Yeah I have to say that is pretty briliant.

[@gazsto6733]

How many layers do you recommend, wanting to make a support box and container for holding water. would be lined with HDPE liner.

[@jpreffre4541]

Bjr c’est quoi le Pva que vous utilisez avec l’alcool comme agent démoulant ? Merci super tuto je dois faire une casquette pour mon bateau mais c’est la première que je vais de la résine 😬 👍🍻JP du Var

[@BestPlconEarth50]

I watched this video again and wanted to say nice freehand cutting skills!

[@MechDickel]

Thank you very much!

[@tiptop498]

Excellent tutorial,dissolved hand soap will help u as demolding agent . cheer's!!

[@maximiliaanschevenhels2081]

awesome video, helped me a lot with my architecture project, thank you!

[@g0d182]

What is that cloth like material under the fiberglass?

[@fineaqua3279]

Can I add fibreglass modification to an existing-cured fibreglass object??

[@MechDickel]

Yes, it is possible. If the part is not used in extreme conditions (for example, an important part in a vehicle and its aerodynamics), it should have no problems. However, it's not something I've done very often, so I suggest a little more research. But for my purpose (a part more aesthetic than mechanical) I had a good result, sanding the old part where the new one would be added.

[@danssv8]

Where do you buy the 2 ingredients to make your release agent ? thanks

[@MechDickel]

The polyvinyl alcohol from www.redelease.com.br (brazilian company) and hydrated ethyl alcohol (46º) from the market.

[@ms_vibe9918]

nice video! thanks for making me realise I can use spray bottle for applying PVA

[@andreimatias4210]

i would like to ask if release wax can be used instead of the release agent you used? and also, i would like to know if there is an alternative for Con-Tact paper, it seems that i am out of reach for that material.

[@MechDickel]

Hi! I have used release wax before and got the same good result as with PVA (look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpWQdayXd7eNidE). Con-Tact paper, I suggest you use it... its purpose is to waterproof the cardboard mold. Without it, things tend to get messy... maybe the cardboard will get wavy. Actually it's not a "paper"... it's more like a decal. Con-Tact paper is sold here in Brazil at school supply stores. You can also replace it with some packaging tape.

[@skullcraftcustoms]

I use packing tape a lot. Will require you to do a bit more prep work though because of the strips. I never use release agent or waxes. Pops right off

[@kelso_kelso]

Awesome video. I learned so much. Just wanna ask what alcohol you mixed with the pva and in what ratio.

[@MechDickel]

The mold release agent is a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and hydrated ethyl alcohol (1:1).

[@GreerAZ369]

Is it possible to put down a final black carbon fiber fabric sheet to finish the piece off...using the same resin? Then a clear coat to finish....

[@MechDickel]

I've never tried... please take some googling.

[@gwynnjason]

can i replace the plastic film with food wrap? I'm planning to make a pontoon for a water bike with fiber glass

[@MechDickel]

It might work. It might get messy. In an "concave" format like my mold would probably not work. In a more rounded shape similar to a ball surface, that you will wrap an entire piece without leaving bubbles and folds, it should work. You will also have to observe how the film will behave with the curing heat. Trial and error... you'd better test it on a small part first.

[@sulaimanalhamdan1049]

Hi! I loved the video!, I was wondering if you can give me some advice if you see this comment :). I made a 6'0 cardboard sculpture of a lego man and I want to cover it completely in fiberglass but keeping the actual cardboard under it. Is that possible? thanks in advance! any help is appreciated!

[@Cr0zzAlpha]

I think it can aslong as fiber release wax isnt applied..its quite rough surface would be beneficial to its adhesive properties.

[@adamsilesia5753]

I love your work.

[@MechDickel]

Thank you very much! :)

[@luisfmendez8562]

Where Can I find this kind of cardboard. Thanks

[@MechDickel]

School supply stores.

[@artcore9886]

0:39 what kind of paper are you glueing to the cardboard and why? Can i leave it?

[@gankjad6208]

thank you. really appreciated the process

[@crabsynth3480]

great demo and loved the music !

[@MechDickel]

Thank you very much for your comment!

[@iklink]

Please explain how you released fiberglass from mold

[@MechDickel]

This was made possible by the use of a mold release agent.

[@janpakx]

Hi what is the name of that film tape for release?Thank you

[@MechDickel]

It is a transparent self-adhesive plastic film. It is distributed here (Brazil) by Con-Tact.

[@williamfreret6859]

Nice job on the technic used to make the mold but concerning the application of the resin...too much resin used!! Before puting the first layer brush resin then put your 1st layer. Fyi if you want to avoid printing of the fabric on the finished parts the first lay is made with chopped strand THEN you put the fabric.

[@jasonroxx100]

How did you get the print out design template, from a 3d design? Cheers

[@MechDickel]

Sorry for the late answer... I passed the measurements to a 2D image editor.

[@h.s76]

Hi sir do you help me to make mold of slides for children's

[@Haunyed]

Nice one mate!!! sharing info is the best !! keep pu mate!

[@MechDickel]

Thanks, buddy! That's the DIY spirit!

[@Haunyed]

Mech-Dickel DIY rules!!!

[@MechDickel]

Yay!!!

[@davidrouse5767]

I am making a fender mold put of cardboard and I put a lot of clear tape to help good the shape, will that affect it out should it be okay?

[@lastnamewhite]

thanks for this. I liked it and the music. If only people could work their volume slider as well as their keyboard...

[@theworld2286]

Which resin you use in this?

[@rsiskitchen6425]

Hi can u type here what are the materials used? And steps how to apply it. Thank u somuch.

[@KahKahKah3x]

Can the mold use for making carbon fiber part?

[@MechDickel]

The mold itself I think will have no problems. What you will need to research is on the mold release agent and resins. (I have no experience with carbon fiber.)

[@spiralarray1969]

what was the film that you stuck onto the cardboard mold before you applied fiberglass?

[@MechDickel]

First Con-Tact and, over it, PVA mold release agent.

[@spiralarray1969]

where do you get that stuff?

[@MechDickel]

Con-Tact from a local stationery. PVA mold release agent from www.redelease.com.br

[@timnagy2411]

Packing tape work really well on surfaces without heavy compound curves, too.

[@vidalgomez8009]

Para el desmoldeante alcohol y pvc.es algo casero o específico que venden?

[@Meleeman011]

but i want to use cardboard as the sandwich material

[@juanrafaeltosado1812]

!! GREAT JOB!!! .

[@timoldham4120]

Hello Dickel, I enjoyed the Video, But my Question is Who is the Band playing the Music, Love it, Plz Reply, Thx

[@MechDickel]

Thank you very much for your comment! First song is "Open Highway", by Silent Partner. And the second song is "Garage", by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena... both from KZbin Audio Library.

[@STARGAUD]

What resin did you use?

[@MechDickel]

Polyester resin.

[@jefframsum8386]

I'd like to build a truck canopy out of fiberglass.

[@RicanHavoc]

That’s what I’m researching right now, I want to make an angled canopy for my truck

[@robertjeffery4664]

Better if we knew what was in the trigger spray bottle or do we just take a guess

[@MechDickel]

Hi. Please activate the subtitles.

[@profpenatieri]

Are u Brazilian?

[@MechDickel]

Yes.

[@profpenatieri]

@@MechDickel Eu reparei por causa das especificações do papel contact hehehe, mas vc mora no Brasil? Seu robô de PVC ficou muito bom!

[@MechDickel]

@@profpenatieri Obrigado! Sim, no RS.

[@profpenatieri]

@@MechDickel Eu sei que vou lembrar desse seu vídeo quando for fazer um.

[@marlandmartin93]

Is hydrated ethyl alcohol the same as denatured alcohol?

[@MechDickel]

I don't know... www.google.com/search?dcr=0&source=hp&ei=FnFjWsvDHoaSwgT6r6fgAg&q=Is+hydrated+ethyl+alcohol+the+same+as+denatured+alcohol%3F&oq=Is+hydrated+ethyl+alcohol+the+same+as+denatured+alcohol%3F&gs_l=psy-ab.3...95.95.0.640.1.1.0.0.0.0.291.291.2-1.1.0....0...1c..64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.UVTbNeEMYqo

[@aztecwarrior6284]

please excuse my ignorance, but i am very new at this. what is the name of the contact paper you used and what is the compound you used to spray on your project?

[@MechDickel]

"Contact Paper" is the name of the product. It isn't actually a paper... it's a self adhesive PVC laminate. That compound: hydrated ethyl alcohol + PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), in a 1:1 mixture.

[@THOMASTHESAILOR]

Nice Job, But, for a part that size, you don't need to use the Polyester resin and take it outside cuz it stinks up the house.. You can use " *Polycrylic* " .. It's water based, cleans up with water, no smell at all, and it's almost just as strong.. You can buy Polycrylic at Home Depot or any home improvement store.. It comes in small sizes for small Jobs.. Plus You can mix regular Acrylic paint in it and have any solid color, or just drip the paint in and make swirl flow colors, etc.. Acrylic Paint is found at any hobby and craft store. less that $1.

[@MechDickel]

Thank you very much for your comment and the tips!

[@TheDcrocks1]

ThomasTheSailor Chubby great tip.

[@DrAmyThornton]

how strong would something made with polycrylic be? I'm making some hooves shoes and going to use fiberglass resin to create the hoof over a a frame I made from metal window screen. Parts of the hoof will be hitting the ground as I walk. Would polycrylic still work?

[@cruiser97eric1]

@@DrAmyThornton - Polycrylic is just water based paint and it doesn't add any strength at all. The person who said Polycrylic is almost as strong as fiberglass is completely wrong.

[@BestPlconEarth50]

Can I throw something out there? If you would like your part to be colored, instead of painting afterwards you can whichever color paint in the mix, I used black I just asked the guy at the paint store so I am not sure exactly what sorta paint it is but yall can figure that out. Great vid I am so fed up with people talking on youtube!

[@MechDickel]

Thank you very much for your comment! And nice tip... something that I have to try!

[@jtbmetaldesigns]

So far, I have used the colorants specifically made for resins and I have use titanium white universal paint tint with success. Based on online and book research, polyester resin curing is affected by many organic type pigments. The Phthalo blues and greens seem OK though. It’s safe to say that MOST but not all mineral pigments should be satisfactory. You are probably not going to make brightly colored polyester by integrating color but you can make a base color and always paint desired color as a topcoat with proper surface preparation.

[@BestPlconEarth50]

@@jtbmetaldesigns Exactly what are we talking about as far as curing being affected? I recommend just giving the paint resin mix a shot real world to see if it works (I know it will i have done it many times) with one exception being if this part you are making has a structuRal nature in which case i would contact an expert.

[@rogere7478]

would be better without the jarring noise...thanks for the video, though

[@metroid201]

Thank you for making this video

[@jamesstory7517]

You're welcome

[@sunilsagar966]

Gret idea

[@MechDickel]

Thanks!

[@ambybot]

hello dickel so nice work it is so funny because i do exactly like you i use google sketchup for design after i print on paper and i stick on cardboard but after i don't use fiberglass but i use newpaper and with water and woodstick but i don t understand what is the water in green bottle how you do for fiberglass don't stick why you do a transparent plastique? thank you for this video nice tutial

[@MechDickel]

Hello, amby! That liquid in the bottle is a mold release agent. It prevents the fiberglass to stuck in the mold.

[@ambybot]

Hello my friend hoo nice i don t know this agent what is this name?

[@MechDickel]

It's PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol). Look: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_alcohol

[@ambybot]

cool thank for the name

[@wehiird]

What is that clear plastic sheet that releases so nicely?

[@davidt1897]

was flinching while he was cutting toward himself....

[@Cr0zzAlpha]

its just that hard to get those materials.cant be bought just anywhere here in our town.;(

[@MechDickel]

Here is not so accessible too... most of them I bought from internet.

[@Cr0zzAlpha]

@@MechDickel but finnaly i got my hands with basic materials,not with the roller and the release wax though..im gonna give it a try doing my custom front cover..heheh

[@MechDickel]

@@Cr0zzAlpha Hey man! Sounds cool... When you get something, please show us!

[@irshadali3339]

BOSS IN SIMPLE WORD AWWSSSOOOMMMM 👌👌👌

[@MechDickel]

Thanks!

[@Mohamadreza-sf2jc]

بسیار عالی و آموزنده ساخت تانک را به اشتراک بگذارید

[@NigelRichardson]

Hi, great video. What gram or density fibre glass are you using?

[@MechDickel]

Hi! Thank you very much for your comment, and I'm sorry for the late answer... Mat = 450; Cloth = 200.

[@PeterPasieka]

Great work.

[@FairladyS130]

Some useful info in this video but the finished surface is not smooth enough for some applications eg car panels.

[@BestPlconEarth50]

This is common with fiberglass one must sand using sand paper and a block.

[@MechDickel]

Yep, you're right! As I said before, the better the mold, the better the part. The result depends on the surface of the mold. But we can always apply body filler and smooth it with sandpaper.

[@andreimatias4210]

sorry for my ignorance, but what would the body filler be? wha material?

[@TitoFerreiro]

aplicar tantas capas juntas deja una pieza imperfecta el calor de la reacción la deforma.............Del lado que apoyo sobre el cartón y el contact le quedaron burbujas ........

[@MechDickel]

Bueno, eso no es lo que le pasó a mi obra.

[@mazhapennu6056]

Good... Excuse me brother,first you apply some spray.this spray name what?

[@MechDickel]

That spray is a mold release agent. Is a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and hydrated ethyl alcohol (1:1).

[@kennetheugene8997]

I like the tune or song

[@aarbd1610]

Nice

[@curtisvonepp9716]

Exelant cardboard techneac and simple to do But for get the music.

[@MechDickel]

Thank you very much for your comment!

[@dougmac8904]

Thanks for sharing

[@Robots4Sale]

hate the music. why are you using 2 types of fiberglass?

[@westieBrucedavidson]

Great vid cheers bro

[@pmagnojr]

What are those chemical you put in the spray bottle?WATER?, MILK? URINE? SOY SAUCE?

[@MechDickel]

Turn on the subtitles.

[@hamidmirhadi]

Thank u.

[@jimjones7821]

why o why do you tubers think they need music on thier video's??

[@MechDickel]

That was in another time... now I know I don't have to. :)

[@darwindee4039]

You look like cris pratt

[@MechDickel]

:)

[@westieBrucedavidson]

WARNING .......TURN VOLUME DOWN

[@MechDickel]

:/

[@danhansson409]

U killed my interest with the music :(

[@Robots4Sale]

me 2

[@abuxxx3607]

Dan hansson there is a mute.

[@arniepotts6159]

Drop the god awful noise.

[@samuelrodriguez9673]

People only knew how annoying it is to hear rock and roll while you trying to learn something it's almost impossible to concentrate

[@kelvyncharlie4876]

annoying music mahn

[@MechDickel]

Yep.

[@lioncrunch]

Why the stupid music

[@MrAirhead2010]

Well, you didn't show how to make moulds that were any use! Congrats, you're now the proud owner of a... um... er... um... useless bit of fibreglass! That, or the shortest bit of guttering known to mankind.

[@MechDickel]

You will find videos showing how to use hammer and pins... what to do with it depends only of your imagination.

[@NagarajNagaraj-im1fi]

Phil Toll-free

[@kiyoshim9593]

Why did I dislike your video? Its not informative at all. Maybe for 8 years old kids but you would need to afd some colours and kids music