Understanding Fiberglass Cloth vs. Chopped Strand Mat

If you're about to embark on a new project and are unsure of where to begin, you've come to the right place. One of the first steps is determining the type of fiberglass best suited for your needs. Are you focusing on achieving thickness quickly? Are you prioritizing strength? Or do you have tight corners to navigate? To help you make an informed choice, we will explore the distinctions between fiberglass cloth and chopped strand mat. It's also worth noting that using both types together can often yield excellent results.

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Fiberglass Cloth

(Plain weave fiberglass cloth)

Fiberglass Cloth is crafted from woven fibers, available in several styles including plain, 4-harness satin, and 8-harness satin. The 4, 6, and 10-ounce plain weave options are the most prevalent. This basic weaving method interlaces the warp and fill yarns in an alternating pattern, making it relatively easy to handle as it minimizes unraveling when cut.

In the four-harness satin weave, a filling yarn is intricately woven over three warp yarns and under one. The eight-harness satin is a similar weave but features one filling yarn floating over seven warp yarns and under one. Satin weaves are generally more robust and flexible compared to plain weaves, making them ideal for conforming to curved surfaces. However, they can be somewhat more difficult to manage than plain weave.

Chopped Strand Mat

Chopped Strand Mat, commonly referred to as fiberglass mat, consists of short strands of fibers bonded together with a resin binder, allowing for random orientation of the fibers. It is crucial to note that this mat is only compatible with polyester and vinyl ester resins. When resin is applied, the binder dissolves, facilitating manipulation of the fibers, which aids in accommodating tight curves and corners more smoothly than woven fabrics can. The incompatibility of chopped strand mat with epoxy resin is due to the requirement of styrene for the binder's proper dissolution. While certain suppliers provide epoxy-compatible chopped strand mat, such options are limited and often pricier.

Chopped strand mat is a budget-friendly option frequently used in mold construction or projects requiring significant thickness. It serves as an effective initial layer (beneath the gel coat) in laminates to prevent print through—a condition where the fabric weave's texture becomes visible through the resin. While it lacks in structural strength, combining it with woven cloth can enhance strength while expediting thickness buildup and ensuring effective bonding across layers.

For comprehensive information about fiberglass reinforcements and resin, refer to our Ultimate Fiberglass and Resin Guidebook for Beginners. For a detailed look at the specific types of fiberglass cloth we offer, feel free to browse our fiberglass mat for sale.

Whether you are a hobbyist engaged in RC modeling or a professional working in the boat and aerospace sectors, it is essential to understand the nuances of fiberglass cloth to enhance your project outcomes. This discussion categorizes fiberglass cloth into four primary groups: lightweight fabrics ideal for RC projects and surface applications, medium-weight fabrics suited for surfboards, sailboats, kayaks, and various general-purpose uses, and heavier fiberglass types aimed at demanding requirements for boat construction along with marine and aerospace applications.

Join us as we delve into each fiberglass fabric type, showcasing their unique properties, common uses, and the critical role that selecting the appropriate type plays in the efficacy of your projects. Accompanying descriptions, we have pictures to highlight the distinct attributes of each type of fiberglass cloth on offer.

Fiberglass Essentials

Fiberglass cloth, or fiberglass fabric, is an outstanding choice when aiming for durable, lightweight components.

All our fabrics must be paired with a resin system (polyester, vinyl ester, or epoxy) to form composite components. The fiberglass reinforcement is integral for imparting strength to your parts. Its applications are vast—spanning boats, bathtubs, wind turbines, RC crafts, surfboards, kayaks, and canoes, to name a few.

We categorize our fabrics into four popular types:

1. RC
2. Boat/Marine
3. Aerospace
4. Surfboard

Keep in mind, while these categories exist, the different fabrics can serve multiple applications beyond their labeled use.

If you're curious to learn more, please check out our fiberglass mosquito net.