Do you have a project in mind but have no idea where to start?  Let us help you.  One of the first things you will want to do is decide what kind of fiberglass you want to use.  Do you need to build up thickness fast?  Are you concerned about strength? Do you have tight corners you are working with?  Let us break things down a bit to help you decide if fiberglass cloth is right for your project or if you are needing chopped strand mat. Keep in mind that you can actually use both together to achieve your desired outcome. Below is an overview.

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Fiberglass Cloth

(Plain weave fiberglass cloth)

Fiberglass Cloth is a woven fabric. Plain, 4 harness satin and 8 harness satin are the weave styles we carry. The 4, 6 and 10 ounce plain weave fabrics are the most commonly used. In this simple plain weave pattern, warp and fill yarns are interlaced over and under each other in alternating fashion. The plain weave is the easiest to handle since it does not unravel as much as the other weaves when cut.

In the four-harness satin weave pattern there is a three by one interfacing where a filling yarn floats over three warp yarns and under one.

The eight harness satin is similar to the four harness satin except that one filling yarn floats over seven warp yarns and under one. The satin weaves are slightly stronger and more pliable than the plain weave and are easier to conform to curved surfaces. They are more difficult to handle than the plain weave, though. Use fiberglass cloth when you are looking to create a strong, light weight product.

Chopped Strand Mat

Chopped Strand Mat (also known as fiberglass mat) has short strands of fibers held together with a resin binder. The fibers are randomly oriented. Mat is only compatible with polyester and vinyl ester resin. When resin is added to the mat, the binder dissolves and the fibers can be moved around. It is easier to conform mat to tight curves and corners than it is with weaved fabric. The reason chopped strand mat is not compatible with epoxy resin is because the binder holding the fibers together needs styrene to properly dissolve.  Polyester and vinyl ester resins have styrene in them. (There are some places that sell chopped strand mat that is compatible with epoxy but it is hard to come by and much more expensive). Chopped strand mat is the least expensive fiberglass and is often used in mold construction or projects where thickness is needed. Mat is often used as the first layer (before the gelcoat) in a laminate to prevent print through. Print through is when the fabric weave texture shows through the resin. Chopped Strand mat does not have much strength. If you need strength you should choose a woven cloth or you could mix the two. Mat can be used between layers of woven fabric to help build thickness quickly and aid in all layers bonding well together.

For info on more fiberglass reinforcements and resin, check out our Ultimate Fiberglass and Resin Guidebook for Beginners.

For more detailed information on each fiberglass cloth we carry, you can CLICK HERE.

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As far as fiberglass reinforcement materials are concerned, fiberglass mat and fiberglass cloth are two commonly used alternatives. Although they may appear comparable at first glance, there are significant differences between them that make each more appropriate for specific applications. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the contrasts between fiberglass mat and fiberglass cloth, their unique features, and their individual benefits.

What is a Fiberglass Mat?

Fiberglass mat is a non-woven substance that is made up of randomly oriented chopped strands of glass held together with a binder. This substance is designed to offer a high level of strength and rigidity to a surface, making it a perfect reinforcement material for flat or curved surfaces. Fiberglass mat is often utilized in applications where a smooth surface is required, such as boat building, automotive bodywork, or general repair work.

One of the benefits of   fiberglass mat is that it is relatively easy to handle. It can be effortlessly cut to size, and it conforms well to complex shapes. Furthermore, fiberglass mat can be applied in multiple layers to provide extra strength and thickness to a surface.

What is Fiberglass Cloth?

Fiberglass cloth, on the other hand, is a woven material made from glass fibers. It comes in various weights and weaves, with some varieties having a plain weave while others have a twill weave. The strength and flexibility of the cloth depend on the weave pattern and weight used.

Fiberglass cloth is frequently employed in applications where a high degree of strength is required, such as in aircraft construction, high-performance racing vehicles, and other industrial or commercial uses. It is also utilized for reinforcing seams and corners, where additional strength is required.

Easy to Shape: Fiberglass Cloth Roll is easy to drape over complex shapes, making it perfect for use in applications where a more intricate pattern is required.

Easy to Cut: Fiberglass Cloth Roll is simple to cut to size and can be applied in multiple layers to provide additional strength and thickness to a surface.

Differences between Fiberglass Mat and Fiberglass Cloth

Although both fiberglass mat and fiberglass fabric are made from glass fibers, there are several key differences between the two.

Manufacturing process:

Glass fibers are chopped, and then resin is used to glue the pieces together to create a fiberglass mat. Conversely, glass fibers are woven together to create fiberglass cloth.

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Strength:

In general, fiberglass fabric is more durable than fiberglass mat. The cloth's weave design offers greater tensile strength and longevity, which makes it a superior option for applications requiring a high level of strength.

Flexibility:

Compared to fiberglass fabric, fiberglass mat is less flexible. Although it can adapt to complex shapes, fiberglass cloth is more rigid and less flexible.

Surface finish:

Fiberglass mat has a completed, smooth surface that makes it perfect for applications that call for a finished surface. On the other hand, fiberglass cloth can produce a more textured surface finish.

Weight:

Fiberglass cloth is generally lighter than fiberglass mat, which can make it a better choice for applications where weight is a concern.

FAQs:

Q1. Is it possible to combine fiberglass mat and fiberglass cloth?

Ans: Yes, a surface can be strengthened and made thicker by combining fiberglass mat with fiberglass fabric.

Q2. Which is more effective for making boats: fiberglass cloth or fiberglass mat?

Ans: Fiberglass mat is typically preferable for boat construction because it offers a smooth surface finish perfect for maritime applications.

Q3. Can fiberglass mat be utilized for corner and seam reinforcement?

Ans: While fiberglass mat can be used to reinforce seams and corners, fiberglass cloth is typically a superior option because of its increased strength for these types of applications.

Q4. What are the uses of Fiberglass Cloth Roll?

Ans: Fiberglass Cloth Roll is used in aircraft construction, racing vehicles, and other industrial or commercial applications. It is also utilized for reinforcing seams and corners.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Ceramic Filter Foams. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.