Wet Layup > Choosing Laminants for Wet Layup > Resin and Laminant Combinations

Q: Which resin is best for wetting out chopped strand mat (CSM)?

Vinyl ester and polyester resins are best for wetting out chopped strand mat (CSM). They allow easy saturation of the fibers, making the laminate drapable. Epoxy resin is tough to wet out with CSM and is not recommended for this application.

Q: Which resin provides the highest strength with uni- and multidirectional fiberglass?

Epoxy resin provides the highest strength when used with uni- and multidirectional fiberglass reinforcement. Vinyl ester offers higher strength than polyester, but not as much as epoxy. Polyester resin is the most economical but offers lower strength in this use.

Q: Can epoxy resin be used with carbon fiber or Kevlar reinforcement?

Yes, epoxy resin is ideal for use with carbon fiber or Kevlar reinforcement materials, providing the highest strength. Vinyl ester is less strong than epoxy for this purpose, and polyester resin is not recommended for carbon fiber or Kevlar.

Q: Why is polyester resin commonly used with chopped strand mat?

Polyester resin wets out chopped strand mat easily and allows the laminate to be draped over complex shapes. It is an economical option and is commonly used in marine and composite applications with CSM.

Q: What is the most cost-effective resin for general fiberglass layups?

Polyester resin is generally the most cost-effective option for general fiberglass layups. While it does not provide the highest strength, it is widely used due to its affordability and good wet-out properties with certain fiberglass fabrics.

Wet Layup > Choosing Laminants for Wet Layup > Resin and Laminant Combinations

Alyssa Copeland

July 01, 2025 19:11
Updated

Reinforcement Material	Fiberglass > Chopped Strand Mat	Fiberglass > Uni and Multidirectional	Kevlar or Carbon Fiber
Epoxy	Tough to wet out. Not recommended.	High strength. Most effective use of laminant.	Highest strength
Polyester	Wets out easily. Laminant is drapable	Lower strength than epoxy. Lower cost.	Not recommended
Vinyl Ester	Best resin for CSM	Higher strength than polyester	Not as strong as epoxy

Return to Wet Layup Guide

Menu

Shop

Table Top Epoxy Resin Kits

Clear High Performance Epoxy Kits

Traditional 5:1 Marine Epoxy Resin Kits

Wet Edge Topside Paint

Premium Marine Topside Primer

Spartan Multi-Season Antifouling Paint

Gleam Marine Spar Varnish

Lust Rapid Recoat Marine Spar Varnish

Halcyon Water-Based Marine Varnish

TotalBuff Rubbing Compound

TotalShine Finishing Compound

White Knight Fiberglass Stain Remover

Adult Vintage-Style T-Shirt

Adult Vintage-Style Hoodie

Retro Rope Hat

Comments

Shop

Related articles