- Resin thickness refers to how thick the resin is when you first mix it and apply it onto the fiberglass backing material. In cold weather, the mixture will not combine easily and can quickly become thick, sluggish and difficult to brush onto your matting. In order to properly mix the resin and apply it you will need to keep it warm, mixing it indoors and applying it quickly, which may affect quality.
- Resin strength is determined in part by how the resin dries. Resin can dry poorly in cold weather, freezing on the surface and not combining and hardening properly on the inside. The result is a more fragile fiberglass layer than you would have in warmer weather. This can affect long-term strength and may reduce durability.
- Fiberglass responds to temperatures by expanding in hot weather and contracting in the cold. If you create the fiberglass in the cold, it will harden it its contraction phase. As temperatures rapidly change in the summer months and the fiberglass has to endure high heat, the expansion can cause the layer to crack and fleck off.
- It is common practice to apply a gel coat on top of your fiberglass once you have finished. This gel coat is important for protection against scratches, but it can also provide other benefits. If you have to apply the fiberglass coating in winter, then choose a gel coat that also offers protection against weather and cold temperatures. This can help your fiberglass to last longer.
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