Help with Fiberglass
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MisterSteve124
- Corporal 3
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- Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2006 10:11 pm
- Location: West Chester, PA
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Well I have never fiberglassed before and I'm planning to fiberglass the whole outside of a boat me and my friend are making. I was planning to buy the cloth on ebay. Here's the link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fibergla ... 9340QQrdZ1 does that look ok? And my main question is for using all that cloth (about 76 ounces according to the page) How much resin should I need. I read something that says 40%-60% in weight is acceptable so should 48 ounces be enough? Like this http://cgi.ebay.com/Epoxy-Low-Cost-Fast ... dZViewItem Also if you have any tips on applying it I would like the help. Thanks
I would go with the West Epoxy system. I haven't fiberglassed a boat but have used it in other applications. It seems to have the best all around properties, particularly for first time use.
The company provides everything you could need for boat building so you may as well just get the stuff there as well as any how-to stuff you need.
The company provides everything you could need for boat building so you may as well just get the stuff there as well as any how-to stuff you need.
I've fibreglassed submarines, so it's about the same as a boat though obviously you need more layers....
If your starting you want to go with the cloth as it's easier to work (the stuff you've already found).
Where are you? In hot >20oC use smaller amounts of hardener/catalyst so you can have longer working times.
Epoxy is more expensive than polyester but nicer stuff to work with (smells less and is stronger IIRC) but I've only ever used polyester since Epoxy is alot more over here in the UK, so it's not unusable.
Make you you apply lots of resin. It's not like paint where when there is hardly any on the brush you can keep brushing - if you do it'll turn into a 'orrible mess. Try to use a stippling action and try to avoid rollers - use brushes.
I'd second the 'West Systems' Epoxy suggestion....
HTH,
Michael
If your starting you want to go with the cloth as it's easier to work (the stuff you've already found).
Where are you? In hot >20oC use smaller amounts of hardener/catalyst so you can have longer working times.
Epoxy is more expensive than polyester but nicer stuff to work with (smells less and is stronger IIRC) but I've only ever used polyester since Epoxy is alot more over here in the UK, so it's not unusable.
Make you you apply lots of resin. It's not like paint where when there is hardly any on the brush you can keep brushing - if you do it'll turn into a 'orrible mess. Try to use a stippling action and try to avoid rollers - use brushes.
I'd second the 'West Systems' Epoxy suggestion....
HTH,
Michael
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MisterSteve124
- Corporal 3
- Posts: 702
- Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2006 10:11 pm
- Location: West Chester, PA
- Contact:
Ok thanks I'll defenitly look for that. I am located in Pennsylvania and usually in the summer its between 75 and the high 80s. So again how much do you think I will need if I plan on applying a little more than 8 sq yards?
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jrrdw
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Pratice on a simular surface 1st, fiberglass can be unforgiving to work with. How much you will need will depend on how good you apply the cloth. Looks like your off to a good start.