Peel-ply fabric is used to create a textured (or “broken”) finish on the B (non-tool) surface of the composite component.This greatly reduces the amount of surface abrasion required (or even eliminates it altogether) when preparing the component for painting or secondary bonding (to foam or honeycomb cores etc, or to another composite surface). To achieve this type of surface finish, typically a peel-ply fabric with a weight of approximately 80 to 90 grams per square metre (gsm) is used.
Peel-ply fabric is also used to achieve a more aesthetic component finish, by preventing the imprint which is otherwise created by the release film and breather fabric on the B surface of the component. This is generally when the component is to be left unpainted, and when a matt B surface is acceptable. To achieve this type of surface finish, typically a peel-ply fabric with a weight of approximately 60gsm is used.
