The amount of surface prep depends on whether the layup is for building or repairs, and whether the construction is on a large area such as a hull, or on a composite part such as a hard top.
The general steps include sanding, masking, wiping, and preparing the mold so resin-saturated laminants don’t stick to it.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Sanding & Vacuuming | Sand the area to be laminated, either by hand or with a power sander and 36 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. If not using a dustless sander, use a vacuum cleaner to remove sanding residue. |
| Masking | Apply quick-release masking tape and poly sheeting to cover any areas you want to protect. |
| Wiping | Use clean, lint-free rags and the solvent recommended by the resin manufacturer to remove any remaining sanding residue, grease, dirt, or oil. |
| Prepare the Mold |
A "mold" can refer to a male or female mold used to create a composite part, or a flat surface where fabric is wet out before being applied to a boat. Clean the mold first using clean, white, lint-free rags and acetone to remove any dirt, grease, or oil on the surface. For a male/female mold, apply a mold-release wax according to the wax manufacturer’s directions; buff. After waxing, apply a thin coat of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). For a flat surface, cover with poly sheeting. PVA is like liquid cellophane. It helps resin cure, and it makes it easier to remove a composite part from the mold after curing. |
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