Texalium question

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#1

Hello all. For an upcoming project I bought a couple of yards of blue Texalium “cloth”. Nice colour and I thought it would go well with the rest of the colour on the bike,…however,…when it came I found that Texalium is more of a really thin panel than cloth. 3K cloth and quite stiff. E-mails were exchanged and I ended up getting a different cloth for the project.

Now, why is it so stiff? I`m assuming the sizing on the cloth is making it so,…so,is there a way of softening the sizing or can I assume that when I wet it out, the sizing will dissolve somewhat? I could see this being fine for a car hood but I was looking at using it for the extreme curves of a motorcycle fuel tank.

Ray

#2

That’s a concern. I just ordered texalium for a longboard for my daughter from composite envisions. I’ll see if it is pliable or not.

#3

Texalium is fiberglass coated with a thin coating of colored aluminum on one side to give it the look. The coating is what causes the fabric to be stiff.

Edit: I just noticed Goebone is also from Wisconsin. Where at in the state are you?

#4

[QUOTE=Rotorage;34195]Texalium is fiberglass coated with a thin coating of colored aluminum on one side to give it the look. The coating is what causes the fabric to be stiff.

Dagnabbit! Not answer I was looking for. Oh well, Ill see if I can find a use for it. I knew the aluminized coating was on there but I didnt think it would make it that stiff.

#5

I have made a few parts with it. I had to use a surface vail. One ply of 2x2 glass. If you don’t. It will leave voids looking like a ruffle potato chip. I have read on this forum of some other tricks. Some where using acetone to soften the texaliam. I know from my layups. That if you work the resin in to much. The aluminum coating will start to come loose. ruining the look.

#6

Main issue i have seen first hand with silver texalium is yellowing from the resin… you want silver, not silver under ugly yellow resin.

Maybe surfboard resin stays clear?

#7

My epoxy resin is very clear. Surfboard resin would probably work too.

#8

Barracuda (sp?) by BFG…stuff is soft, and drapable!! I need a use to play with the sample I have, but it was wicked nice.

#9

I am in Kenosha.