Custom Boat Building Made Easier with PTFE Coated Fiberglass Tape

It’s common that custom boat builders use waxes and other chemical release agents (i.e. frekote) to cover your composite molds. There are also some common problems associated with this. Here’s the short list:

• The methods to apply these materials are extremely time consuming.
• The ability to get an even, consistent coating over the entire mold.
• If unable to get a consistent coat, parts may stick to the mold due to the uneven coating buildup.

If you’ve experience even one of these above scenarios, then consider switching to our Teflon®/PTFE coated fiberglass adhesive-backed tape as a cost effective release surface. These issues are eliminated when using our Teflon®/PTFE coated fiberglass tapes. When you use these tapes, there are no waxes or chemicals to clean off your parts (hull, deck, bulkheads, etc.). Not only is it healthier for your workforce, it also saves time and money.

Our most popular item for composite molding is our PC-3S. Here’s why:

• Most economical one
• Easy to handle
• Comes up to 36” wide
• Roll lengths are 18 yards or 36 yards
• Maximum operating temperature of 500°F
• Application to the molds and hand lay-up tables goes faster
• Custom widths (up to 36” wide) for ease of handling and for certain composite mold sizes
• Multiple pulls are achieved before replacing the tape
• 30+ pulls of composite parts off of lay-up tables are not uncommon
• Using our PC-5S tape may result in greater pulls due to the thicker substrate as compared to the PC-3S product
• All of our tapes also come without an adhesive backing if it will be mechanically fastened down

Painting

If you are painting instead of gel coating your composite molds, using our Teflon®/PTFE coated fiberglass tapes are a no brainer. The slight texture (from the glass weave) will be covered up when the paint is applied. In fact, any surface that doesn’t require a mirror finish will benefit from our fiberglass tapes.

Validations are currently being conducted to test our premium grade Teflon®/PTFE coated fiberglass tapes on a gel coated surface.

Infusing

If you are infusing your parts instead using rollers, our PTFE coated fiberglass bleeder cloth (PC-2 Bleeder Cloth) is a great alternative when you are pulling the resin throughout the part(s) using a vacuum. Its porous construction helps the resin de-gas as it cures and allows the resin to flow during infusions. It also keeps the plastic vacuum bag or other porous media from sticking to the part, and will cleanly pull away from the parts once the curing is complete.

Other Composite Molding Uses

While used in custom boat building, our Teflon®/PTFE coated fiberglass fabrics and tapes aren’t limited to this application. Because of their diverse features, they can be used on any other composite molding process. Here’s the rundown of features, applications, and industries:

Features

• Optimal release
• Provides ultra-smooth finished surface
• Reduces prep time, finish work, and clean-up
• Eliminates need for waxes and chemical cleaners
• Temperature resistant up to 500° F/260° C
• Pressure-sensitive adhesive backing
• Abrasion resistant
• Flexible/conformable
• Perform multiple pulls before replacing

Applications

• Mold release for boat hulls, decks, bulkheads, helicopter rotor blades, wind turbine blades, and other composite parts
• Non-stick covering for fabrication work surfaces

Industries

• Marine
• Aerospace
• Renewable Energy
• Automotive
• Military
• Ballistics Protection
• Civil Infrastructure Repair
• Sports & Recreational Equipment
• Construction

Based on years of experience, and sampling many products, Precision Coating & Coated Fabrics, Tapes, Belts can offer market recommendation of what suits your needs for which application. Contact us today for further details.