How To Cut FRP Panels (Easy Step-By-Step Guide)

FRP is a term that many people might not be fully aware of. It’s also known as fiberglass reinforced plastic, and it’s considered to be one of the most durable wall coverings that your home can have in it. In order to use FRP, you need to be able to cut it to match the size of your walls. This can be daunting, because, well, fiberglass. So, how do you do it?

The best way to cut FRP panels is to have a circular saw blade with a specialized carbide tip. When cutting your panels, make sure to measure the size of your walls and demarcate where you need to cut. As with all things fiberglass, you need to get the proper safety equipment to prevent inhalation and flying shrapnel.

Most people would agree that cutting FRP is something that should only be attempted with the right tools, but there’s so much more to this story than just using the right saw. Let’s talk about it a little further, eh?

If you don’t have a carbide saw, another option is to “score and snap” your panels. This involves taking a regular utility knife and making a groove along the line that you need to cut your panels. Once you’ve put a good groove in using a sharp knife, take the panels and bend them back and forth. After a few bends, you should get a clean snap.

This method is a faster way to cut FRP, but there’s a caveat. On some rare occasions, the groove won’t be deep enough and may end up breaking unevenly. That’s why it might be better to just go “slow and steady” when you’re trying to win that race.

Admittedly, carbide blades can be pricey and it can be a hassle to work with them. Another option that’s suggested as a good way to cut FRP is to use 14-gauge electric metal shears. These shears have the power to cut through FRP, but there’s a downside. Due to the way they cut, you need to be aware that you’ll waste about a 1/4 inch of material. You will need to demarcate that when you’re prepping your cut.

Once the cut is finished, you might have shreds and burrs on the side of your FRP. The good news is that these can be taken care of by using rough sandpaper (or a sanding block). Make sure to wear a respirator when sanding stuff down. You don’t want to breathe in that fiberglass!

Most of us are not fans of having to spend time measuring and cutting plastic. It’s not exactly fun. So, if you’re looking for convenience, there is some good news to be had. Some suppliers are willing to precut your FRP for you, as long as you buy a certain amount or pay a premium price.

If you want to get some precut FRP, be aware that this isn’t the kind of thing you can get at a big box store like Home Depot or Lowe’s. In order to get your FRP cut to the perfect size, you will need to go to a specialized retailer who focuses on FRP and similar products. From there, you have to ask if they ship precut FRP.

You don’t have to cut your own FRP, but if you’re like most, you’ll want to. One reason you tend to see a lot of people choosing to cut their own FRP is because it can be hard to find a non-commercial retailer who offers this. Those who do? Well, they tend to ask for a high service premium. It’s just easier to learn how to cut your own in most cases.

Cutting your own FRP can be done with minimal investment in time and tools. And yet, it can literally save you hundreds on a single project. If that isn’t reason enough to consider adding a little more DIY to your project, we don’t know what is.

If you’re not comfortable with cutting your own FRP you can always hire a professional to do this, however, it will cost you between $10 and $15 per cut. Another solution would be to hire someone off of a website that can give you better fees, but who also knows what they’re doing.

You can always post an ad on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace to look for someone who can do this for you instead of paying for a professional. Or, check with your friends and family to see if there’s anyone willing to help. Even a friendly neighbor may be willing to lend you a helping hand.

The important thing to recognize about FRP is that this is not wood. It’s fiberglass, and that means you are going to have to take extra precautions when it comes to cutting it. The good thing about this is that you have multiple options when it comes to your method of cutting. They range from a carbide circular saw, to electric metal shears, to using a classic “snap” technique.

When you’re cutting your FRP, remember that you need to wear the right protective gear regardless of what technique you use. A respirator, goggles, and gloves can help prevent serious cuts, fiberglass inhalation, and eye injuries. After all, you’re cutting something that can splinter at a moment’s notice. To make sure you stay safe, gear up. It’s better to splurge on gear than to shell out for medical bills.