dry layup left sitting in tool (how long is too long?)

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

i am debating whether to redo a large difficult layup. i used mold release wax as the release and the tool surface is valspar tooling gelcoat. even though i’ve used quality materials, i’m worried that 6 months have gone by since the wax went on. it was protected by the 5 layers of glued on cloth, but would the wax have absorbed further into the tool?

i’ve never left a layup this long. is it safe to infuse without release problems? what’s the longest any of you have left a layup sitting and sucessfully released the part?

#2

There shouldn’t be any problem with releasing the finished part. It’s been so long though that one just has to hope that everything was laid up properly.
We often lay up parts M-Th, and infuse everything on Friday. But that’s nothing compared to 6 months.
As far as the time elapsed since release agent application, no worries if the surface hasn’t been contaminated. Just clean the exposed areas of the tool, and solvent wipe the bagging tape area.