Composites

Carbon fiber is stiffer, stronger, and lighter than fiberglass, but also more expensive. It’s used when performance and weight savings are critical.

Fiberglass cloth is woven for strength in specific directions, while chopped strand mat is made of randomly oriented fibers and is better for building bulk.

Epoxy resin provides better adhesion, moisture resistance, and flexibility compared to polyester resin. While polyester is more economical and widely used in mass production, epoxy is preferred for high-performance applications, repairs, and situations requiring a strong bond.

Match the filler to the job, and keep strength fillers below the surface with fairing fillers on top:

• Bonding and structural fillets: use a high-density or fiber filler like colloidal silica (Cabosil), milled fiber, or microfibers, which cure hard and strong.
• Fairing and shaping: use a low-density filler like phenolic microballoons, glass bubbles, or a fairing compound, which sand and feather easily.

Wear nitrile gloves, eye protection, and a Tyvek or disposable coverall to keep resin and glass fibers off your skin and clothes. Use an organic-vapor respirator when working with polyester resin, gelcoat, MEKP, or solvents, and always keep the area ventilated. A simple dust mask is enough only for sanding cured glass, not for liquid resin or solvent fumes.

Yes. Many marine fabrication supplies are regulated for transport, including polyester and vinyl ester resin, gelcoat, acetone, PVA mold release, epoxy hardeners, and MEKP catalyst. We ship these by ground in approved packaging under DOT Limited Quantity rules. They cannot travel by air or expedited service, so choose a ground option at checkout for any flammable or corrosive item.