Rumours of a Fibreglass iPhone?

There have been rumours floating around the web for a while now that Apple is intending to create a lower cost version of the iPhone featuring a plastic and fibreglass casing.

Current colour options for iPod may be made available for iPhone

Tips for Restoring Faded Gelcoat

Time takes its toll - sun, salt and sea water will oxidise gelcoat, stealing the shine and leaving a rough, dull surface. The question is, if GRP is so good, why does this happen? It's simply that Gelcoat suffers from both oxidation and UV attack. Now, oxidation and UV damage are not the same thing. They don't have the same effect on a boat's finish and it's important to know the differences between them. Oxidation, caused by exposure to oxygen, results in the chalking you see on the palm of your hand when you touch an unprotected boat. This process is slowed by good maintenance and this means regular waxing, protecting the gelcoat from the elements.
UV damage is increased if you don't maintain the shine of your gelcoat. Shiny surfaces reflect UV rays better than dull surfaces and UV rays not only cause discolourations but can mechanically degrade the Gelcoat.
While oxidation only affects the surface, UV damage penetrates the full thickness of the gelcoat and can even damage the fibreglass beneath it. So, keeping oxidation under control will also keep UV damage at bay.
However, despite your best efforts, you will, eventually, find yourself losing the shine. Surfaces may look dull and tired and also feel rough to the touch. It may be time to consider some plastic surgery.

Blue turning white. This neglected gelcoat requires more than a quick wax!

Phase 2 of NCC Approved

Phase 2 of the development of the National Composites Centre in Bristol, announced in December, has officially received planning approval.

Customer Focus: The Twins FX

For the third Customer Focus, we spoke to The Twins FX, one of the leading companies operating in the field of theatrical, visual special effects, illusions and animatronics.  

We had a chat with Gary and Paul Hardy-Brown, Directors of the company, and asked them exactly what they do and the process involved in creating such weird and wonderful effects.

Animatronic Dragon with 10m wingspan

Resin Jewellery: Daimblond

We stumbled across this lovely resin jewellery by Russian designer, Elena Gueno. 

Read an interview with the artist here.

Fibreglass fabric could strengthen walls against effects of earthquakes

Old buildings could be protected from earthquakes using fibreglass fabric developed by researchers in Germany.

Developed by research partners, Moritz Urban and Lothar Stempniewski at the KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology), the fabric is intended to perform two levels of protection: preventing cracks from forming; and preventing walls from collapsing if damage should occur.

Happy New Year from CFS!

We'd like to welcome all our customers into the brand new year the right way - with a fantastic offer on Protective Equipment throughout January!

See you next year!

We'll see you in 2013! 

Chinese Escape Pods

Remember the Japanese escape pod, named 'Noah' we told you about in October last year? Well now there is a Chinese version, intended to combat the Mayan apocalypse due to be happening this Friday...

Customer Focus: David Imrie's Christmas Sleigh

For this festive edition of Customer Focus, we spoke to David Imrie, a customer who has been using our products to revamp and remodel Santa’s sleigh!

A nice festive red!

Having no previous experience of using fibreglass at all, he decided to give it a whirl with some technical help from us – in his own words, “How hard can it be?!”

Phase II of NCC Development Receives Government Funding

The National Composites Centre in Bristol is to receive a £28 million investment from the Government to fund further developments, bringing the total funding to over £40 million.

Christmas Holiday Closing

Dont Miss Out!

CFS offices are open until Friday 21st December 2012.

We will be closed for Christmas on the following dates:
From Monday 24th December 2012 to Tuesday 1st January 2013.

We will re-open 08:30 Wednesday 2nd January 2013.

To ensure deliveries arrive to you BEFORE Christmas please note the following:

NEXT DAY orders must be placed by 1pm on Thursday 20th December

THREE DAY orders must be placed by 1pm on Tuesday 18th December

Orders placed over the holidays will be processed and despatched on Wednesday 2nd January.

We would like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Stuck for a Christmas present?

There's always someone on the list that has a big fat '?' next to their name.

We have found the solution!!

BUY THEM A BATMOBILE...

Ancient mouldings...

We know how GRP moulds are used these days, whether they be for cars, boats, sculptures or any number of other applications.

The process of moulding is by no means a new one, however, as shown by this ancient Mayan terracotta mould.

Right hand image has been generated to show how the castings may have looked.

Gromit Unleashed in Bristol!

60 giant fibreglass Gromit sculptures are to be 'Unleashed' on Bristol in July next year.

Customer Focus: Names In Lights

For the very first Customer Focus, we spoke to Names In Lights. Based in Wirral, they make custom decorative lights – mainly in the shape of words, although they have been known to dabble in something a little different. The lights are made using our clear cast resin, strengthening and UV additives, and occasionally our gelcoats and topcoats on bespoke projects.

We spoke to Jill Bonner, one of the partners there, about how they came to create their lights and how they do it.

Shipping Container Supplies

Do you have a shipping container that’s in need of some TLC?
Why not visit CFS’s new website – www.shippingcontainersupplies.com. We’ve got everything you need to keep your container looking its best, including rust treatment, industrial paints and primers, traffic film remover and much more.

We aim to be the one-stop-shop for all your shipping container maintenance needs. If there's anything you need that we don't currently supply, drop us a line at sales@cfsnet.co.uk and we'll see what we can do!

Life Casting with Grotesque FX Studio

Just in time for Halloween, we went down to see Steve Hollins at the spooky Grotesque FX Studio in Camborne, and watched him work his magic on Alex, our very own Technical Advisor. Alex wanted a mould of his head taken, and Steve is just the man for the job. 


Steve's workshop appears very unassuming as you approach, but when you open the door you're greeted by a sea of disembodied heads, hands and feet, as well as some creatures that have never been seen before...

The whole process of life casting is very involved, and Alex went through various stages - from bald cap, right through to mummification!

*NEW* Water Clear Fast Cast Resin

This two component, hand-casting polyurethane system is easy to use and ideal for rapid prototyping, embedding or any type of clear casting, with or without vacuum. The resin is optically clear and UV stable, with a low odour.

Floating hot tub...

Two Dutch chaps, Frank de Bruijn and Jochem Karstanje, have invented and built a floating, wood-fired hot tub, which they have named, the HotTug.

The HotTug in action

Try out Mold Magic for only £6.95 (ex VAT)!

We're so confident you're going to love this stuff, we're giving you a massive £4.00 off per tin - just to get you to try it!

Grignard Mold Magic - proven to out last the competition

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW!

Stedelijk Museum Complete!

Way back in July last year, we told you about the very first panels being put in place on the new façade of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.

The project is now complete!

CFS Advertising at the Southampton Boat Show 2012

If you're heading down to the Southampton Boat Show this year like a lot of our customers, look out for our shiny new ad in the show brochure!

We've got everything you need to keep your boat looking its best!

Colourful Resin Jewellery Blog

We stumbled across this interesting and colourful blog from Mill Lane Studio, written by Australian artist and designer, Myléne Hillam. She shares her creations, and also gives handy tips and tricks for how to solve problems and work effectively with resin.

Here's a post about cleaning up bubbly resin!

Cure It Roofing System now available from CFS!

We are pleased to announce that we now stock the Cure It Roofing System!

Take a look at this video to see it in action:

5% off Chopped Strand Mat this September!

Ferrari California for £5000?...Sort of...

If you're a fan of the Ferrari California - but not a fan of the hefty price tag - you could have your very own for a mere £5000! (Plus the price of a Nissan 350Z)

Converted Nissan 350Z

Low Price on GRP Acetone!

Get 25L kegs of GRP Acetone for only 

£27.50 +VAT!

(normal price £35.98 +VAT)

• 98% purity
• Ideal for cleaning tools and brushes
• Economic alternative to pure Acetone
• Recycled product
• While stocks last!

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

2012 Olympics and Paralympics - Delivery Information

From 27th July - 9th September, deliveries to some parts of London and many other Olympic venues across the country will be severely restricted.
Next day deliveries to some areas cannot be guaranteed and surcharges may also apply.
Some of our products are classed as hazardous, and our couriers may not be permitted to deliver these to certain areas due to Olympic security restrictions.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you in advance for your cooperation.
If you require delivery to any affected area or need more information please call the CFS sales team on 01209 821028 or email us.

Big savings - while stocks last!

We have a great deal on 888X General Purpose Polyester Resin...

5kg pack - £14.75

20kg pack - £47.00

supplied with catalyst

This Lloyds Approved resin is on sale while stocks last. 

Click here to buy now!

"Psychedelic crystal cave" resin jewellery!

Australian visual artist, Kate Rohde, has created a collection of resin jewellery "reminiscent of a psychedelic crystal cave".

'Mega Crystal Cuff' (Citrus)

Iconic Red Phone Boxes Get Revamped for Charity

Remember The Big Egg Hunt from earlier this year? Well this time it's the turn of the traditional red phone box to get the fibreglass treatment.

10% off Power Tools

Throughout June, we are giving you a fantastic 10% off all of our power tools.

Click below to shop now!

Jubilee Weekend Opening Hours

Our office will close today at 5pm and reopen on Wednesday 6th June at 8.30am.

Any orders placed over the bank holiday weekend will be processed on Wednesday.

We hope you have an enjoyable weekend!

Star Wars Climbing Wall Holds

UK company, Hang Fast Adventure Structures has created holds for climbing walls that resemble iconic Star Wars characters such as R2-D2.

Fibreglass Flower Art at Saatchi Gallery

To coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show this year, the Saatchi Gallery will be unveiling a giant fibreglass flower sculpture by Croatian artist, Ana Tzarev.

The Avengers Hero Car - Before and After

The team working on Avengers Assemble had to make some pretty drastic changes to their donor vehicle to create the car that Iron Man would drive away in at the end of the film.

The original car used

Super fan builds Stormtrooper Bike!

Max Denislov, a Russian Star Wars fan, has built a custom bicycle with a Stormtrooper design!

May Special Offer!

This month, we're treating you to 5% off everything in our Marine Paints, Antifouling and Boatcare section.

Carbon Fibre Swimsuits

Brazilian Olympic champion swimmer Cesar Cielo showed off the latest creation from Arena - a skin tight swimsuit made with carbon fibre!

Full story here.

National Composites Centre in Bristol has new partnership

The NCC has announced a partnership with AIC Group meaning that the centre in Bristol will receive equipment and support to aid its research and development in the composites sector.

National Composites Centre, Bristol

Bank Holiday Weekend

Our office will be closed from 5pm today, reopening on Tuesday 10th April at 8.30am.

Any orders placed over the bank holiday weekend will be processed on Tuesday.

We hope you have a great Easter!

5% off G4 Pond/Damp Sealer!

Until the end of April, get a fantastic 5% off any size pack of Bonda G4 Standard Pond Seal or G4 Standard Damp Seal!

Brian May supports Pride of Africa

Queen guitarist Brian May was in Cape Town this week, supporting Pride of Africa, a charity raising awareness about the future of big cats in Africa.

Bottle Cap Jewellery

We've found some more interesting resin jewellery!

Fabergé Big Egg Hunt in full swing!

Back in December, we told you about Fabergé's plans for a giant egg hunt on our Facebook page.

Growth in Demand for Carbon Fibre

Demand for carbon fibre is forecast to increase greatly by 2020.

Japanese Lifeboats in Development

The Shikoku Region Transport Bureau in Japan has unveiled plans to create fibreglass lifeboats for use in the event of a Tsunami.

Epok Offer Ends tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the last day to buy Epok 502 Epoxy Resin with the introductory 5% discount!

Click here to buy now!

Grignard Mold Magic release wax now available!

CFS Fibreglass are proud to be the exclusive UK distributors of the innovative 

Grignard Mold Magic Release Wax

Special Offer: Epok 502

We are offering an introductory discount of 5% off all Epok 502 Epoxy Resin kits for the whole of February!
Buy now!

NEW: Epok 502 Epoxy Resin

Epok 502 Epoxy Resin available now on our website!

CFS Products Flying High in the Movies!

You will soon be able to see our products in action, in the George Lucas film, Red Tails!

Cornish company, Gateguards UK Ltd, who are based at Newquay Airport, were commissioned to build these fantastic replicas of the North American P51D 'Red Tail' Mustangs used during World War II, for use in the movie, due to be released in the UK early this year.

Special Offers!

Check out Clearance Corner for great deals on some of our products!

Mattia 60 Made Lighter

Mattia has launched the Mattia 60, which has been made up to 2000kg lighter through the use of composite materials.

Weird and Wonderful Cars!

Car auctioneers, Historics, are planning an auction with a difference.

VW Van Photos - Audiosport

Audiosport has posted some fantastic photos of their work on various Volkswagen vans on our forum.

Here's a taster:

Audiosport - VW Front Bumper

Audiosport

Green delivery now available in Canada!

The GeaZone Eco-Courier has been developed by 24 year old entrepreneur Andrew Mitchell.

New technology for Cornish Crabbers

Composite Integration and the Marine Innovation Service in Falmouth are working with Cornish Crabbers to bring modern technology to the traditional boat yard.

Another home-made plane...

Happy New Year!

Happy new year and welcome back to all our readers!

We have had a great break and we're now back raring to go for 2012.

Message from CFS

We would like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.


Our offices will be closed from now until 8.30am on Tuesday 3rd January.


Enjoy the festive season, and we will see you all in 2012!

How to make Biodiesel, Part 2

In the second part of our guide, we will go through the process of transesterification and the methods required to make your own biodiesel.

Last minute shopping!

Lamborghini Electric Screwdriver, now £21.50 (+VAT)!

How to make Biodiesel, Part 1

Welcome to the next post in our Biodiesel series!


In this post we will describe the best way to prepare your raw materials by performing a titration test before starting the process of making biodiesel.

Christmas Delivery Information

Our offices will be closed on Friday 23rd December, and will re-open on Tuesday 3rd January

To ensure deliveries arrive to you BEFORE Christmas please note the following:

NEXT DAY orders must be placed by 1pm on Wednesday 21st December

THREE DAY orders must be placed by 1pm on Monday 19th December

Orders placed over the holidays will be processed and despatched on Tuesday 3rd January.

What is Biodiesel?

With fuel prices rising and the environmental effects of motoring in the news almost every day, more and more people are taking charge of the situation and producing their own biofuels at home. This is the first in a series of posts aimed at helping you to understand what biodiesel is, and the processes involved in making it.

Methanol now available at CFS!

We now have methanol available to buy online or over the phone - 25 litres for £21.00 (+VAT)

Methanol is an industrial solvent, widely used in the production of Biodiesel.

We will be writing more Biodiesel posts over the next couple of weeks!