hi everyone,
I will be attempting to make flat panels roughly around 30x70" using vacuum infusion. what is the best (cheapest, easiest, best finish) material I can use?
I have been using glass and wax (NOOOO PVA, but waxing itself is pain in the …)and I have done some research here and it sounds like my other choices are aluminum and polypropylene( no release agent needed i assume, so it is much easier)… I would appreciate if you guys could share your experience.
Thank you
Come on Bryan don’t you see the posts about semi permanent release agent? 
sorry just razzing ya.:bigsmile: But really stick with glass and semi perm, nothings better if your looking for the best finish. Hojo taught me about semi perm and I haven’t gone back. Look in this thread to see the results that you can get with semi perm and glass. http://www.compositescentral.com/showthread.php?t=6530
I attached a pic of the table I built, the glass is 5’x9’ I would take a pic of it in the shop but I still haven’t picked up new battery’s for the camera… :rolleyes: Maybe this weekend when I go to the grocery store…
Im using a sheet of 110cm x 160cm toughened glass and made a vacuum table out of it. Finish is like a mirror.
I considered polyprop as it will self release but would be easily scratched. I use a semi perm release agent on the glass.
Thank you rotorage, I had seen that thread but missed the frekote part 
I decided to go with glass also because it is the cheapest. Called couple of local glass shops and found a scrap 1/4" tampered 32x70" for $25. If I wanted a new piece cut to my exact size it would have been $120 for 1/4" regular and $270 for 1/2" and $300 for 1/2" tampered.
Btw I updated my last post about Infusion surface with a picture. You were right, I threw away my PVA…and I will be ordering some frekote. ( I might hit u up regarding proper way tp apply frekote if the instructions were too confusing as you mentioned)
I’ve been really happy with Frekote, make sure you apply enough layers and give them enough time to dry before applying the next one.
I think laminated glass is cheaper than buying a single plate (toughened) of the same thickness.
most important about semi permanent release agents such as frekote is that you be sure to keep the lid air tight all the time.
Can you give a little info on your technique on how you get high gloss with frekote on glass? If i’m remembering correctly you use 770. I’ve never been able to get a gloss/class a surface, ever.
I run masking tape where the bag tape goes to protect it. (I’m sure you already know that) Then I wet out a towel with the Frekote and rub it all over the mold. Not dripping wet but enough that it will cover the mould. Let the release dry which takes less then a minute, then I take another towel and buff the hazy look off. Make sure you have a good light because sometimes it’s hard to see the small spots you miss. I’ve been told not to buff to hard or you will remove the release, except the only way I can buff the haze off is by using lots of pressure. :wondering: I will do four coats like this. After that I use a small piece of masking tape as a gauge to see if it’s coated good and you will be able to tell because the tape will barely stick or not stick at all. When placing another piece of tape on the non released area you will see what I mean. Yes buffing is still a pain like it is with wax but the Frekote lasts longer and releases better IMO so you don’t need to re apply as much. One thing I should mention is the Frekote doesn’t improve your finish. Your mould needs to have a class A finish if you want your part to have one, but after buffing it should look like you have a clean gloss finish mold like it did after you cleaned your mold in preperation for the release application.
To be honest id clear coat all infused parts so for a a flat surface i used a mdh with high build primer blocked down
Thanks for the little write up. I guess I’ve been too cautious on buffing after applying.
How many releases does the Frekote give from one application? Is any prepping needed between releases? How often would the application need to be reapplied? I’m guessing the answer to this question is when the tape sticks again?..
I’ve read posts about semi perm releases and how good people say it is but never worked with it. I’ve been making flat panels on glass with wax for years and always have a class A finish. Yes it’s a pita when the glass is new, (have to lay down 6-8 layers of wax with buffing in between) but after that I just lay down 1-2 quick coats between releases and have no problems.
If Frekote really helps with the process then I’ll definately make the switch too. It does make a lot of sense to use it on contoured molds though… any help having a part release from hard curved areas is a real plus!
depends on many factors. you can get anywheres from 1-10+ pulls. Usually the first few pulls you reapply 1 coat, then after you can do less often. youll know its time to reapply when it starts getting difficult to pull the part.
thank you for the info. I’ll probably buy some and try it out. I appreciate it.