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 Friday, 21 November 2008
Which type of fiberglass should I use? pdf  print  E-mail
Monday, 15 December 2003

Do not use fiberglass from an auto part store or fiberglass with mat. The fiberglass that we specify is much stronger and is easier to use even for a first time builder. It bends around corners with less air bubbles and requires less resin: in the end, it will cost less and be stronger. Fiberglass application techniques are discussed in our How To files but here are some important points: - Cut all your fiberglass pieces in advance, check them for size on the dry plywood. - Try to work wet on wet. That means applying fiberglass over putty that is still wet or soft and layers of glass wet on wet, on top of each other. You will work faster and eliminate the need for sanding between coats. Your lamination will have a higher glass content and be stronger. - Less resin makes a stronger lamination: squeeze the excess resin out with a plastic squeegee. - Cover the last layer with a plastic film like polyethylene, roll it down. The plastic will produces a smooth surface with almost no edges showing. Very little sanding will be required. The resin does not stick to the plastic. - For final fairing, switch as soon as possible to paint primer. It is easier to sand than cured epoxy resin.

 
 
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