Fine C-glass surfacing veil for more uniform laminate surfaces, reduced fibre print-through and less finishing work.
This fine veil is incorporated close to the surface of glass-fibre-reinforced and other composite laminates. It forms a thin interlayer between the finished component surface and coarser woven or non-crimp reinforcements. The uniform fibre distribution helps create a homogeneous, resin-rich surface layer and can reduce visible print-through from the underlying reinforcement.
This helps improve surface quality during lay-up. It can reduce sanding and filling work, as well as the preparation required before painting – particularly for panels, shells and other components requiring a consistent surface finish.
Can be processed with suitable epoxy, polyester and vinyl ester resins. Please refer to the note on the styrene-soluble binder in the “Compatible resin systems” section.
The glass veil consists of fine, randomly oriented C-glass fibres held together by a chemical, styrene-soluble binder. It is incorporated into the laminate as a thin surfacing layer and remains in the finished component. It does not replace the structural woven fabrics, non-crimp fabrics or reinforcement mats.
With an areal weight of approximately 30 g/m² and a width of 100 cm, the veil can be used for both larger surfacing layers and smaller cut pieces. The manufacturer's specification gives a mean areal weight of 26 g/m². The additional weight of the finished surfacing layer comprises both the veil and the resin it absorbs.
| Material |
C-glass fibres |
| Fibre orientation |
Randomly oriented fibres |
| Bonding system |
Chemically bonded with a styrene-soluble binder |
| Areal weight |
Approx. 30 g/m² (manufacturer's specification: mean value 26 g/m²)
Test method: ISO 9073-1 |
| Width |
100 cm |
| Thickness |
0.31 mm
Test method: ISO 9073-2 |
| Maximum tensile force, machine direction (MD) |
35 N / 50 mm
Test method: ISO 9073-3 |
| Maximum tensile force, cross direction (CD) |
20 N / 50 mm
Test method: ISO 9073-3 |
| Elongation at maximum tensile force |
Machine direction: 1%; cross direction: 1%
Test method: ISO 9073-3 |
| Typical resin consumption |
Approx. 50–120 g/m², depending on the resin system, processing method and intended laminate construction |
The manufacturer's property values are mean values subject to normal production variations. Thickness, maximum tensile force and elongation refer to the veil, not to the properties of the cured laminate. Resin consumption is an application-dependent guide value and is not a property stated in the manufacturer's specification.
Features and benefits
More uniform laminate surfaces: Once fully wetted out, the fine, randomly oriented fibre structure forms a homogeneous, resin-rich surface layer. Positioned between the finished component surface and coarser reinforcement materials, it can reduce visible reinforcement print-through.
Less surface finishing: Improving surface uniformity during lay-up can reduce subsequent sanding and filling work and simplify preparation for painting. The result depends on factors including the resin system, surface coating, laminate construction and cure conditions.
Low veil weight: The lightweight surfacing layer complements the structural reinforcement but is not intended to serve as the primary load-bearing reinforcement. For weight-efficient processing, fully wet out the veil while avoiding unnecessary excess resin.
Applications
The glass veil is used where a fine, uniform component surface is required in addition to the mechanical performance provided by the structural laminate. It is suitable as a near-surface layer in panels, covers, shells and other composite components, and for resurfacing existing laminates.
Typical application areas include mould and tool making, boat and yacht construction, and automotive components, including motorsport. Further applications include technical composite components for industrial machinery and equipment, as well as the wind energy sector. Suitability must be assessed for the intended resin system and laminate construction.
The manufacturer's specification lists hand lay-up, spray-up and dry winding processes as applications.
Compatible resin systems
The glass veil can be processed with suitable epoxy, polyester and vinyl ester resins. The fine fibre structure is fully wetted out and incorporated into the surface region of the laminate.
Consider the binder system: The veil contains a chemical, styrene-soluble binder. When using styrene-free resin systems, particularly epoxies, wet-out, drapability and integration into the intended laminate construction should be assessed before use. The description “styrene-soluble” alone establishes neither unrestricted suitability nor incompatibility with a particular epoxy resin system.
Typical resin consumption is approximately 50–120 g/m², depending on the application, resin system and intended laminate construction. The actual quantity required should be established using a representative sample and the intended processing method.
Which surfacing veil is right for your application?
| Grade |
Width |
Construction and typical applications |
| Optiveil™ glass veil 17 g/m² |
127 cm |
Wet-laid E-glass veil for particularly lightweight surfacing, carrier and stabilising layers. Suitable where minimising the weight of the additional veil layer is a priority. |
C-glass veil approx. 30 g/m²
This product |
100 cm |
C-glass surfacing veil with a styrene-soluble binder for reducing fibre print-through and improving surface finish. Manufacturer's mean areal weight: 26 g/m². |
| Optiveil™ glass veil 30 g/m² |
127 cm |
Wet-laid E-glass veil for surfacing, carrier and stabilising layers. Higher areal weight, greater thickness and higher tensile force values than the 17 g/m² Optiveil™ grade. |
Selection should take account of fibre type, binder system, resin compatibility and the intended function within the laminate, as well as areal weight and cutting width. Similar areal weights do not mean that the veils will behave identically in every lay-up.
Benefits of the 100 cm width
The 100 cm width can be incorporated into cutting layouts for moulds, panels, repair areas and small to medium-sized components. Each linear metre provides an area of 1 m²; additional material must be allowed for trimming margins, overlaps and cutting waste.
Whether the 100 cm grade or a 127 cm wide veil provides better material utilisation depends on the component dimensions and the arrangement of the cut pieces.
Processing
Position within the laminate: Place the glass veil close to the component surface, for example directly behind the gelcoat or surface coating and before the coarser structural reinforcement. When resurfacing an existing laminate, prepare the substrate in accordance with the requirements of the selected resin system.
Lay without wrinkles: Cut the thin veil to size, lay it as smoothly as possible and carefully conform it to the component geometry. Avoid wrinkles and trapped air, as these can compromise the uniformity of the surfacing layer.
Wet out fully: Impregnate the veil evenly with resin. Use enough resin to achieve complete wet-out throughout, without creating unnecessarily thick resin-rich areas. The stated resin consumption is a guide, not a fixed application rate.
Apply the structural reinforcement: Lay up the structural woven fabrics, non-crimp fabrics or reinforcement mats according to the intended laminate construction. Observe the working times and cure requirements of the resin and surface coating systems. The surfacing veil remains permanently within the component.
Vacuum-assisted processes: Verify suitability for the specific lay-up before use. In particular, ensure complete wet-out, wrinkle-free incorporation and compatibility with the resin system. The properties of the dry veil alone do not establish suitability for every vacuum-assisted process.
MSDS Glass fabric, tapes, braided sleeves, rovings, yarns, chopped strands (PDF)
