nqfiberglassmesh | Fiberglass Cloth vs Mat: Choose the Right Reinforcement

Fiberglass Cloth vs Mat: Choose the Right Reinforcement

Choosing between fiberglass cloth and chopped strand mat is essential for achieving the right strength, surface finish, and durability in your composite project. You’ll discover how fiberglass cloth and fiberglass mat compare in performance and learn which one is better suited for your specific application.

What Are Fiberglass Cloth and Chopped Strand Mat?

Fiberglass fabric is a woven reinforcement material made from glass fiber yarns, known for its light weighthigh strengthheat resistance, and corrosion resistance. Commonly used with resins like epoxy or polyester, it plays a key role in applications such as boat buildingconstruction reinforcementautomotive partsthermal insulation, and mold making. Thanks to its strong and stable woven structure, fiberglass fabric is ideal for both structural performance and surface finishing in composite materials.

  • Glass fiber Plain Weave
  • Glass fiber Twill Weave
  • Glass fiber axial Fabric
  • Glass fiber Unidirectional Fabric
Glass Fiber Woven Roving Fabric
Twill Weave Fiberglass Cloth
fiberglass fabric

Chopped Strand Mat

Chopped strand mat, often referred to as fiberglass mat, is a non-woven reinforcement material made from randomly distributed chopped glass fibers, held together by a binder. It offers excellent resin absorptionuniform strength in all directions, and is easy to shape and handle—making it ideal for hand lay-upspray-up, and molding processes. You’ll find this material commonly used in automotive components, boat hulls, mold backing layers, and a wide range of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) products.

  • Glass fiber chopped strand mat

  • Glass fiber suiface mat

  • Glass fiber woven roving combo mat

  • Glass fiber kintted combo mat

Continuous Filament Mat (CFM)
Chopped Strand Mat (CSM)
Stitched Mat

Fiberglass Cloth VS Mat Key Differences and Applications

Choosing between fiberglass cloth and mat depends on your project’s needs. If you want high strength and a smooth finish for visible or structural parts, fiberglass cloth is the better choice. For quick resin absorption, easier handling, and cost savings in non-visible layers.

Item  

Fiberglass Fabric  

Fiberglass Mat  

Typical Applications  

Hulls, wind turbine blades, structural parts, high-strength areas  

Models, surface layers, filler layers, cost-sensitive areas  

Advantages 

High strength and dimensional stability

Neat and smooth appearance

Ideal for layered structures

Reusable in molds

Fast forming process

Low cost

Easy to handle, suitable for beginners

Conforms well to curves and corners

Fast resin absorption

Limitations

Higher cost

Less flexible for complex shapes

Lower tensile strength

Rougher surface finish

nqfiberglassmesh | Fiberglass Cloth vs Mat: Choose the Right Reinforcement

How to Choose Based on Application Needs

Boat Building and Marine Materials Industry

Fiberglass Cloth

Fiberglass cloth is widely used in manufacturing fiberglass boat hulls due to its high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and smooth finish. It is also essential in fiberglass boat repair, helping restore structural integrity and appearance. The cloth’s fine weave is suitable for producing smooth fiberglass sheets used for inner wall panels, consoles, and decks.

Fiberglass Mat

Fiberglass mat is commonly used for sub-deck construction and in areas like the fiberglass mat for boat floor. It offers fast laminate build-up and vibration damping. Mat is also often layered beneath fiberglass cloth or fiberglass sheets to add thickness and reinforce internal structures such as bulkheads, lockers, and under-deck panels.

Material Type

Weight (g/m²)

Thickness (mm)

Tensile Strength (warp/weft, MPa)

Resin Content (%)

Remarks

Fiberglass Cloth

200–300

0.25–0.35

2000 / 1900

30–40

High strength, smooth finish, UV resistant

Fiberglass Mat

450–600

1.0–1.5

800–1000 (non-directional)

45–55

Good vibration damping, thick lamination

nqfiberglassmesh | Fiberglass Cloth vs Mat: Choose the Right Reinforcement

Construction and Building Industry

Fiberglass Cloth

Fiberglass cloth is applied where surface quality and stability are critical—such as EIFS systems, drywall reinforcement, and decorative panels. It is also laminated onto fiberglass sheets for high-end wall claddings and ceiling boards where appearance and performance matter.

Fiberglass Mat

Fiberglass mat is favored for waterproof membranes, structural sheathing, and fire-resistant boards. When combined with fiberglass sheets, it enhances crack resistance, insulation, and impact strength in partition walls, wall linings, and utility-grade reinforcements.

Material Type

Weight (g/m²)

Thickness (mm)

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Resin Content (%)

Remarks

Fiberglass Cloth

160–280

0.2–0.3

1700–2100

30–40

Fire retardant, moisture resistant

Fiberglass Mat

300–550

0.8–1.4

700–900 (multi-directional)

40–50

High resin absorption, crack resistance

3.3. Renewable Energy Industry

Fiberglass Cloth

Used in outer layers of wind turbine blades, fiberglass cloth provides superior formability and aerodynamic performance. It also appears in high-strength fiberglass sheets used in solar panel frames and wind tower enclosures.

Fiberglass Mat

Mat supports blade cores and inner layers by delivering multidirectional strength and fatigue resistance. It’s frequently used in fiberglass reinforced plastics for sustainable energy structures and laminated with fiberglass sheets to reduce production time while improving mechanical properties.

Recommended Specifications for Fiberglass Cloth & Mat:

Material Type

Weight (g/m²)

Thickness (mm)

Tensile Strength (warp/weft, MPa)

Resin Content (%)

Remarks

Fiberglass Cloth

180–280

0.2–0.35

1900–2200 / 1850–2100

30–40

Lightweight, weather-resistant

Fiberglass Mat

400–650

1.0–1.6

850–1100 (isotropic)

45–55

Fatigue resistant, multi-directional



nqfiberglassmesh | Fiberglass Cloth vs Mat: Choose the Right Reinforcement

Consumer Goods Industry

Fiberglass Cloth

Fiberglass cloth is essential in products like fiberglass free silicone baking matssnowboards, surfboards, and cookware linings due to its flexibility, strength, and thermal resistance. It is also a core layer in fiberglass tub repair kits, restoring smooth, watertight finishes. Heat-resistant fiberglass sheets are often built using fine cloth layers to ensure consistent strength and durability.

Fiberglass Mat

Fiberglass mat enhances durability in molded consumer products like bathtubs, appliance shells, and board sports equipment. It is commonly used under cloth or bonded with fiberglass sheets to provide impact resistance and structure.

Material Type

Weight (g/m²)

Thickness (mm)

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Resin Content (%)

Remarks

Fiberglass Cloth

150–260

0.15–0.3

1600–2000

30–40

Flexible, heat resistant

Fiberglass Mat

350–600

0.9–1.5

700–900 (non-directional)

40–50

Impact resistant, structural reinforcement

nqfiberglassmesh | Fiberglass Cloth vs Mat: Choose the Right Reinforcement
nqfiberglassmesh | Fiberglass Cloth vs Mat: Choose the Right Reinforcement
nqfiberglassmesh | Fiberglass Cloth vs Mat: Choose the Right Reinforcement

glass Cloth

In demanding environments like chemical storage tanks and water treatment systems, fiberglass cloth delivers high strength and corrosion resistance. It is integral to fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) and often laminated onto fiberglass sheets in applications that require smooth, chemically resistant surfaces. It is also used in precision fiberglass mold making for industrial tooling.

Fiberglass Mat

Fiberglass mat is used for insulation, structural skins, and FRP panels in large-scale manufacturing. It is compatible with open mold processing and is often layered into fiberglass sheets for tank linings, pipe reinforcement, and large industrial covers.

Recommended Specifications for Fiberglass Cloth & Mat:

Fiberglass Cloth

75–100 g/m² (core), 0.7–1.0 mm after silicone coating

Food-grade silicone

Heat resistant up to 260 °C; FDA/LFGB compliant

Fiberglass Mat

225–450 g/m², 0.2–0.5 mm

Polyester, Epoxy

Used in on-site pipe repair, tank reinforcement

3.6. Automotive Manufacturing Industry

Fiberglass Cloth

In high-performance and electric vehicles, fiberglass cloth is used for lightweight body components such as hoods, spoilers, doors, and cabin structures. Car parts fiberglass built with cloth exhibit strength, dimensional stability, and aerodynamic efficiency. Cloth is often bonded with fiberglass sheets to optimize strength-to-weight ratio.

Fiberglass Mat

Fiberglass mat is applied in floor panels, trunk liners, firewalls, and underbody panels to provide bulk, damping, and strength. It is cost-effective for structural parts not exposed to view and can be bonded with fiberglass sheets for fast lamination in automated production.

Material Type

Weight (g/m²)

Thickness (mm)

Tensile Strength (warp/weft, MPa)

Resin Content (%)

Remarks

Fiberglass Cloth

160–280

0.2–0.35

1900–2300 / 1800–2200

30–40

Lightweight, dimensional stability

Fiberglass Mat

350–600

0.8–1.4

700–900 (non-directional)

40–50

Cost-effective, vibration damping

 

nqfiberglassmesh | Fiberglass Cloth vs Mat: Choose the Right Reinforcement
nqfiberglassmesh | Fiberglass Cloth vs Mat: Choose the Right Reinforcement
nqfiberglassmesh | Fiberglass Cloth vs Mat: Choose the Right Reinforcement

Conclusion

Now that you know the strengths of fiberglass cloth and chopped strand mat, it’s time to choose the right reinforcement for your application. Need more support on how to apply them correctly? Check out our guide on [how to mold fiberglass parts] to take the next step with confidence.
Talk To Our Experts

If you have questions or want to discuss your project, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp +86-13775339109, WeChat 13775339100, or email fiberglassmesh@hotmail.com. We’re here to assist you!

Frequently Asked Questions

While fiberglass mat can be used to reinforce seams and corners, fiberglass cloth is typically a superior option because of its increased strength for these types of applications.

Woven roving consists of glass fiber roving that is interlaced at a 90-degree angle to form a heavyweight fabric. In contrast, medium-weight CSM (chopped strand mat) consists of randomly laid fiberglass strands held together with a binder.

For straight cuts, a jigsaw or circular saw is best. Make sure to cut at a slow speed to prevent overheating and melting the resin. For curves and intricate designs, a Dremel tool is ideal. Support the Fiberglass: Ensure the fiberglass is adequately supported to prevent it from cracking or breaking during the cut.

Also called CSM (chopped strand mat)non-woven fiberglass mat material is typically used for repair work and laminate build-up. Available in various lengths and three different weights.

Prevent the fraying associated with looser weaves of fabric or cut fabric edges. Dritz® Fray Check™ is uniquely designed to hold loose ends together. Simply squirt a line of this unique liquid along your cutting line, allow it to dry, then make the cut.

The more common grades of Fibreglass Matt are; 300g mt/2 (1oz) , 450g mt/2 (1.5oz) , 600g mt/2 (2oz), 900g mt/2 (3oz). You can also get variations in between and lighter CSM such as 100g and 225g, chopped strands and surface tissue.

Exposure to fiberglass can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat. It may also cause itching and irritation when the fibers get stuck in the skin. These effects are temporary and go away after exposure ends.

Each type of fiberglass fabric—fiberglass clothchopped strand mat, biaxial woven fiberglass and woven roving—has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different applications.

Fiberglass mat itself is not waterproof, but when combined with a waterproof resin, it can create a waterproof barrier. The resin, such as polyester or vinyl ester, fills the spaces between the fiberglass fibers and creates a solid, non-permeable surface. 

Push away from the edge to avoid adding wrinkles to the part you plan on cutting. Use shears or an X-ACTO knife to cut the fiberglass. Move your ruler or t-square to the line of fabric you want to cut. Using heavy duty shears, an X-ACTO knife, or a similar precision blade, cut a thin, straight line through the fabric.

Fiberglass chopped strand mat is ideal for pool restorations and repairs because it has good water resistance and durability; this makes it easy to apply. It aids in the formation of a continuous impervious membrane that shields the surface of the pool from leaks and chemical attack.

AR-Glass. AR-glass is a type of fiberglass that is made from strands of aramid fibers. It is the strongest and most durable fiberglass, making it ideal for bulletproof vests and body armor applications. It is also used in the production of high-performance composites.

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