How to Build a Fiberglass Box
How to Build a Fiber Glass box
Fiberglass is one of the best materials to use for exteriors - it is very sturdy, and can withstand considerable wear. The many artistic versions available can also add to the beauty and charm of a room. This tutorial will show you how to make a fiberglass box.
Materials Needed
Before you start making the box, you need to know which materials you’re going to need. The main two are fiberglass resin and mats. You will also need to purchase a ‘chop mat’. While the heavy weighted mats will be sturdier, the lighter ones are easier to manipulate and use. Additionally you’ll need ‘base primer’ which can be sprayed with a gun or painted on with a brush. Sandpapers will also come in useful - along with wood saws, an angle grinder, and some fleece. Smoothening out the fiberglass will need body filler, and to hide any errors or defects in the material you will need a thicker version of this filler.
Building the Frame
You will need to start off by making the MDF frame. Ensure that the shape of the frame is a perfect square else you might not end up shaping the end product into a square. You will also need to identify placeholders for the amplifiers, LCD screens, and ports etc. Also take into account areas through which wires will pass. Once the frame has been build the next stage is to stretch the fleece over it.
Stretching the Fleece
You need sufficient fleece to both drape over all the sides of the frame and to hang out over the sides. Start from the middle and stretch it outwards till all sides are perfectly covered. Then place it on a drop cloth, put on latex gloves, and start to mix the resin. The best option is to use a Tupperware sort of bowl to mix resin in. The benefit here is that, once the resin hardens, you can easily flex the bowl and remove the resin - thus avoiding any wastage. Once the resin is mixed paint it onto the fleece properly. Don’t be frugal with the amount of resin you use since using too little can be a sharp drawback.
Placing the Mat
Next you will need to place the mat over the fleece and again paint the surface of the mat with resin. Finish the surface with adequate coats of body filler. This is used to hide surface imperfections and add strength and thickness. Finally wrap the entire piece with vinyl or some other fabric and leave the work to dry.