Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Fiberglass Laminator
What fiberglass laminators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a fiberglass laminator?
Wax the mold. From there, the day usually includes prepare molds, apply gel coat, and lay fiberglass. Full time, often early shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a fiberglass laminator working full time.
- Wax the mold.
- Spray gel coat.
- Lay glass mat.
- Wet out with resin.
- Roll out bubbles.
- Demold a part.
- Trim and grind edges.
Where fiberglass laminators work
Laminators work in boat plants and composite shops.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often early shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Prepare molds
- Apply gel coat
- Lay fiberglass
- Apply resin
- Roll out air
- Trim parts
- Repair defects
Tools you’ll use every day
- Chopper guns
- Rollers
- Brushes
- Spray guns
- Grinders
- Respirators
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- No degree needed
- Build boats
- Average growth
- Hands-on craft
What’s hard
- Fumes and dust
- Itchy fiberglass
- Heat in shops
- Messy work
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like hands-on work
- I don’t mind mess
- I like building boats
- I work carefully
- I want short training
- I can wear respirators
Not sure? Take the free Fiberglass Laminator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear respirators
- Ventilate
- Wear gloves and long sleeves
- Store resin safely