Fibreglass composites

For years, everyone has been working with liquid polyester combined with fibreglass. This unique material makes it extremely easy to quickly and efficiently manufacture and or repair your car, boat, motorhome or other GRP part. Even artists have been working with this innovative product since the 1960s. Every handyman has used polyester resin or filler to make repairs. Thanks to its universal applications, you come across these materials in many places. The material features are therefore special. They are extremely strong, thanks to the fibres, Furthermore, they are lightweight, up to 6 times lighter than steel. You can even control the strength, by stacking several layers of fibres on top of each other to create a so-called laminate. An important advantage, besides good water resistance, is that some polyesters also have excellent chemical resistance. They can thus be used to make sump trays, ponds and swimming pools. The multitude of applications is simply infinite. Over the years, polyesters have been optimised. This creates special polyester resins. 

Polyester Resin

Polyester resins can be distinguished into casting resins on the one hand. These are thinly liquid and are only used when something needs to be poured in or poured on. This can be completely clear or provided with colouring or fillers. For instance, washbasins and kitchen worktops are made with the so-called solid surface systems.  

And gel or topcoat on the other hand. These are coatings, thick layers of paint, usually provided by the manufacturer with pigment. This layer usually serves as a finish and to give your laminate extra protection against wind and weather or UV.  

Another type of polyester resins are laminating resins. These can be processed manually with a brush and roller or sprayed using an installation. The latter technique is very well established in the composite industry and still remains the fastest way to manufacture GRP parts. Were it not that this technique is the most polluting. After all, a lot of waste is created during this process. A second problem is the release of styrene. This is the solvent (read: thinner) of the liquid polyester resin. The problem with this styrene is its very low odour threshold, so you will immediately notice the pungent smell. 

Eco Surester Resin

V-Sure has been looking for solutions and alternatives to replace the noxious Styrene since 2014. After years of development and research, we arrived at the Eco Surester resin. This resin has the material properties of polyester and even a vinyl ester. But it has no solvent, which could give rise to odour nuisance. You process the Surester resin like classic polyester together with Mekp hardener. Processing times are almost identical. Surester can be used perfectly with glass mat or fibreglass. Meanwhile, V-Sure is testing the combination with Surester and basalt or flax fibre. Both fibres offer additional advantages in terms of ecological impact.

Whether it' s lining a seamless bathroom or carrying out minor repairs in enclosed spaces without any ventilation, Surester is the perfect tool. For several years, polyester resin was banned in academies, given its annoying smell. But from now on, any artist or student can work with Surester unhindered. V-Sure boasts that you will be delighted with the simplicity of processing and the ultimate material properties. Because even today, there are plenty of innovation and new ideas taking shape with these great materials