So many products how to choose.

Ok, I’m just starting my little side business. All of my experience has been with Prepreg in the past. As of now it’s just not cost effective for me to start with that material. I have decided on regular hand layup, with probable infusions to later follow.

There are so many different products out there to choose I just don’t know what to choose because of the slightly different process.

Resins really, all I want is a decent resin that will accept clear coating if desired, MUST be clear in color, don’t want amber. Decent temp range because I can speed the process a little.

Fabric, I got a handle on so no worries there.

Bagging, really too many ways to go here. Anyone use VAC PAK 400Y? Found a place selling that for $7.00/yd. Is that bag ok, possible to reuse? I used a pink stretch tube film before, unknown number that kinda info was not to be known there.

Now, I never really had to use perforated release film, I know probably should with wet layup. There is a red film from Richmond that has decent temp rating but is there an even cheaper option?

Ok, recap. I need decent, affordable materials.

-hand laminate resin; Other than West 207, please.
-bagging film/tube
-release films

Any insight and/or help that is offered will be greatly appreciated, I’m excited to get started on my own vision. I don’t wanna jump in blind with my hands tied.

-Thanks in advance.

I am not really familiar with the distribution in the USA, so just some general hints:

-choose a resin that has a Tg which is higher than what the part will see, and cure the parts before clear coating, to prevent print issues later.

-choose a vacfilm which fits your temperature. Assuming your parts only see room temperature up to 200F tops, for instance Airtech SL1000 could be an option, which is a very easy to handle film. Same for sealant tape.

-release films: make sure it has the right perforation style, that is the most important thing.

7 usd for 1 yrd? How wide? If sqyd, then pretty expensive.

Resin Research system 2000/2100 What’s everyone view on this system? Is that a clear resin? I’m worried about the amber color showing? I read that you can’t see it on infused parts but what about hand/wet-layup?

Also is it advisable to use a resin that is designed for infusion for wet-layup? I ask because I see PTM-W has one, and I know their products to be quality.

-Thanks

that bag was 160" wide, so I’m not pursuing that one, not exactly practical to be that wide.

Online I can’t get accurate Airtech pricing but I will look up the one you suggest.

thank you for your reply