fiberglass over plywood deck restore

[sierrahiker]

Just started to restore my 1951 Wizard 15 foot runabout. Noticed that the top deck had a fine layer of fiberglass over the deck before it was painted...just wanted to check if there was a special thickness of fiberglass mat I should use on this when I finish sanding...sorry could not upload a picture

 

[jbcurt00]

Pix posting help
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/forum-rules-and-guidelines/9938375-photo-upload-tutorial

1st 2 options require a minimum of 3posts. I use and recommend option3 using Photobucket as my 3rd party site. There are others.

 

[Kdreese89]

If you are new to fiberglass I'd say go with a lighter weight mat and do two layers if you want. If it's just for finish and not structure you don't need much at all.

 

[jbcurt00]

Check your PMs Kdreese89

 

[Woodonglass]

Depends on what kind of resin you'll be using. If Polyester then precoat the wood with resin then coat again and lay down a layer of 1.5oz CSM and as soon as it starts to tack up, roll on some more resin and a layer of 6oz biaxial fabric. If you're using Epoxy, Precoat with the resin and then a layer of 6oz biaxial fabric. NO CSM required when using epoxy.

 

[Kdreese89]

Just look up some guides from any manufacturer bf follow their instructions. Some recommend not precoating first though for decking you will be fine. Just know the porous wood will soak up a ton of epoxy or polyester to take that into account when buying your supplies.

 

[ondarvr]

Pre-coating the wood is always recommended, and it is for either type of resin.

 

[jbcurt00]

Pre-coating the wood is always recommended, and it is for either type of resin.

Yep ^^^ but only until it starts to tack up, not thru full cure, and only w properly mixed resins, w both components.

 

[Kdreese89]

Yep ^^^ but only until it starts to tack up, not thru full cure, and only w properly mixed resins, w both components.

You also need to work fast if you want a good finish. It will be much harder to move the glass around once it gets very tacky. Good luck!

 

[Woodonglass]

Uhmm you don't have to work fast. When it gets tacky you will Roll on another layer of resin over the tacky stuff and then lay the glass on top of the newly rolled resin. It'll work just like the first layer.

 

[Woodonglass]

I also Highly recommend using a bubble buster roller.



Lots of guys only use the short nap roller and pour the resin on top of the glass. I think you get a better bond and less hassle with the glass if you lay down the resin first, then the glass and use the BB roller to force the resin up thru the glass from the backside. It's much easier to determine where more resin is needed doing it this way. In Fiberglass layups Less is More!!! To much resin will actually weaken the lamination. Once the glass kinda goes clear...you're done. No more resin needed. It will save you some bucks too!!!!

 

[Ned L]

I am going to suggest that you post some pictures, or make some clarifications before doing anything so that it is clear you are receiving the most correct advise possible.
Are you really referring to the "deck", which is above the gunwal, or the "sole" , which is what you walk on down inside the boat.
If you really mean the deck I might suggest you only need much lighter than has been previously mentioned. I might suggest a single layer of something like 6 oz cloth set in resin.
If you are referring to the sole, then yes, heavier as has been suggested.

 

[sierrahiker]

Small deck in front of boat..1t is a small 15 foot runabout...thanks for the info