Darryl Keil Last Activity 2024-10-10 3:42 PM
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Jeff Patrick


Joined: 2004-04-15
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA

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Subject : Bubble wrap as bleeder fabric
Posted : 2017-09-24 12:06 PM
Post #37654
I was watching a video the other day done by a boatbuilder. He is advocating for the use of bubble wrap as a bleeder fabric in vacuum bagging. The project he's doing in the video involves laminating 1/8" ply to a substrate. In that instance, I can see how the bubble wrap would work ok. But what about over normally much thinner veneer? Would the "bubbles" cause telegraphing? I'd be interested in reading of anyone's experience.Jeff


 
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ckurak

Posts: 107

Joined: 2006-10-28
Location: Florida

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Subject : RE: Bubble wrap as bleeder fabric
Posted : 2017-09-27 12:20 PM
Post #37655 - In reply to #37654
I would suggest ordering "Evacunet" from vacupress. I used it for many years laminating large pieces (4'x8') and it worked quite well. It rolls up rather easily and stores well when not needed. It is quite sturdy as well. I feel that the cost is quite reasonable. Over the years it probably has cost me a few cents per foot per each use.

I wonder how long bubble wrap will last.

One word of caution that I would have for Evacunet, or any other bleeder fabric: Use a caul between the veneer and the bleeder fabric. A 1/4" thick piece of press-board worked for me. I skipped the caul one time when laminating raw veneer to a substrate. The Evacunet left some very, very noticeable impressions on the veneer. I should have known better, but I was still learning.

Best of luck.


 
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Jeff Patrick


Joined: 2004-04-15
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA

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Subject : RE: Bubble wrap as bleeder fabric
Posted : 2017-09-30 1:56 PM
Post #37656 - In reply to #37655
Yes, Evacunet certainly is a good product. I have some and have used it with good success. But the use of bubble wrap is intriguing to me. For one thing, I've plenty of it. We moved several years ago and I haven't been able to bring myself to throwing it away. And, it seems difficult to give away. Our recycle agency won't take it. So if it works as a bleeder fabric, all the better. Lacking any other response, I'll likely do some experimenting to see how it behaves. I am especially keen to see if the wrap serves as a caul as well as a bleeder. That would be very nice!Best,Jeff


 
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Darryl Keil

Posts: 1453

Joined: 2003-05-22
Location: Maine

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Subject : RE: Bubble wrap as bleeder fabric
Posted : 2017-10-02 1:24 PM
Post #37658 - In reply to #37656
However you get the air out efficiently would be my main focus. Just make sure the bubble wrap is only used as the bleeder fabric not as a caul. I think its too squishy for that.


 
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Don Stephan

Posts: 825

Joined: 2003-07-18
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

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Subject : RE: Bubble wrap as bleeder fabric
Posted : 2017-09-30 2:04 PM
Post #37657 - In reply to #37654
I would not expect bubble wrap to have a uniform thickness when manufactured, and even more so after some time - air might leak from some "bubbles" faster than others, some might even have been punctured, . . .

Pop the bubbles and recycle along with plastic grocery bags.
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