Hand Lay-up of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP)
The easiest method of making a GRP product, e.g. a canoe is to use a mould. The mould may be made from GRP or it may be made from another structurally strong material.
The mould is first checked for defects, any scratches etc. are filled. The mould is then polished with a wax polish to a very smooth, high quality finish. Next, a very thin film of a liquid release agent is applied. The wax and the release agent are there to prevent the glass fibre product from sticking to the mould.
A layer of resin mixed with a pigment is then applied all over the inside of the mould. This layer is known as a gel coat. |
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When the resin has cured, a layer of reinforcing material such as strand glass fibre is laid inside the mould and a measured amount of polyester resin is stippled and rolled into the reinforcing layer.
This layer is also allowed to cure.
More layers may be applied until the required thickness is achieved.
When the product has fully cured, it may be removed from the mould. The coloured gel coat that was on the inside of the mould is now the exterior covering of the GRP product.
Any blemishes in the mould will have been reproduced in the finished moulding. |
Learn about Plastics
We use animations and supporting technology notes to describe plastics and plastics processes.
Animations illustrate plastics processes in probably the most clear way possible, making plastics processes easy to understand, easy to learn and easy to remember.
Our plastics technology notes and animations describe all the major processes including:
Our new Plastics Module developed from the work in the KS3 and KS4 D&T packages. It is a complete package that includes:
- plastics technology notes
- animations of plastics processes
- a range of exercises that include design and make assignments (DMAs), focused practical tasks (FPTs) and technology questions.
To make teaching easier, the technology theory notes and exercises are in digital format, making them suitable for computers and whiteboards; and in PDF format, which makes it simple to print and duplicate A4 theory notes and worksheets.
Click here to view the contents of the Plastics Module.
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Comprehensive and economical D&T software bundle
Three great software products covering the design aspects, the resistant materials aspects and product design aspects of KS3 and KS4 D&T courses.
Our new D&T software bundle includes:
The three packages contain a wealth of technology theory notes, animations of D&T processes, design exercises, design analysis exercises and technology exercises.
Download links will be emailed to you/your school within 24 hours of receipt of your order.
Plastics Module |
Single User Licence - £30 |
School Site Licence - £60 |
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Get £50 off when you buy a Site Licence for the
Plastics Module + KS3/KS4 D&T software bundle
New Software Bundle:
Plastics Module + KS3 D&T + KS4 D&T |
Single User Licence - £60 |
School Site Licence - £120 |
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