GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) more commonly known as Fibreglass. The process of GRP Moulding is unique in that you are manufacturing the material and product in the same process. The ability to form the materials using the technique of 'laminating' into small complex shapes to very large complex shapes, enables an endless variety of products to be manufactured, from domestic roof gutters to mine sweeping vessels, garden ponds to beach buggies.
The material also allows for the repair of damaged components and with the appropriate skills, very little visible evidence, if at all of the original damage. Repairs to such as pleasure boat, yachts, motor vehicles, caravans and vehicle bumpers are easily undertaken by the DIYer. Using a Gelcoat applied to a mould face prior to the laminating process can not only give very high quality surface finishes, but also interesting effects - such as granite, in a variety of colours, mirror flake and glitters. Leather grain effect material can be applied to a pattern and once the component is complete it is very difficult to distinguish from real leather without touching it. Many model enthusiasts use GRP to make model boats, planes, hovercraft and cars.
It is becoming very popular to apply GRP to flat roofs for weather protection and applying the GRP to block work to water-proof ponds and specifically Koi Carp ponds, pit liners,
With the increasing popularity of the ‘Maker’ community, GRP is seeing a resurgence in people designing and then producing cosplay projects and film props out of Fibreglass composites.