In mny applications for cool patterns, I use the cheap printed fabrics from the Wal-Mart. Works well, b ut I use molds for almost everything... I don't know how it would turn out as an open layup. Also, I have only ever worked from the back side of the fabric, so I'd want to do a test lay to see how brushing and rolling directly onto the patterns would affect the design.

Having used several different cloth types, go light weight, and tight weave with a slightly darker image.. Whites and lights will tend to brown, blues and greens are great. I make wing paddles for kids, Orca is a popular pattern, as are the frogs, fish and lizards... Made a few with fleece hockey team logo cloth, worked well, but a little too much extra weight...

A caution though...unlike with glass, it will be very difficult to tell if you have trapped air behind the cloth, so work with patience and be vigilant until gel occurs.....

Jeff H

: I'm thinking that I will not (for costs sake) use carbon fiber in the coaming
: of my Cirrus. I know others have added dye to the resin when they've made
: a glass coaming to give it some color. I am wondering about using some
: bias cut cotton or other fabric with some fun pattern. Is there any reason
: I should not use cotton in the lay up of my coaming?

: Would there be preferred fabric??

: I was thinking I'd do 3 or 4 layers of 6oz. glass, a layer of patterned
: fabric, and another 2 or 3 layers of 6oz. glass.

: I think a coamaing layed up with a nice tartan or other pattern (no florals!)
: would look cool.

: Am I out of my mind?

: Best, Dave