Help With Fiberglassing...

[TheChad]

Hey all,<br /><br />I am Installing and re-fiberglassing the new floor in my 1978 Rinkerbuilt Tri-Hull.<br /><br />I mix the Resin & hardner and brush it on with a paint brush, than lay the fiberglass over the resin, and then use a spreader to push the fiberglass into the resin, then brush another coat of resin over that.<br /><br />The problem I am having, is that the paint brush turns hard as a 2x4 within a couple of minutes, then making it EXTREMELY hard to brush on the resin..<br /><br />Is there any tips you experienced people have for making this process any easier?<br /><br />Thanks for the help..<br /><br />-TheChad

 

[crab bait]

Re: Help With Fiberglassing...

that's another reason why i always promote epoxy.. get about 30 minutes before 'set-up'..<br /><br />try adding wayless hardener..

 

[reka12]

Re: Help With Fiberglassing...

Amen! My first time using poly was a disaster as I could not always get the mix right and sometimes it would kick way too fast. Sometimes it would kick so fast and hot I was afraid the brushes were goint to spontaneously combust.<br /><br />Because of that experience I was really reluctant to do our little mod project. However, the epoxy is so forgiving that even an idiot like myself had absolutely no problems.

 

[TheChad]

Re: Help With Fiberglassing...

What kind of epoxy are you guys talking about? <br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />-TheChad

 

[drwgblanks]

Re: Help With Fiberglassing...

Man, we must do things differently in NC. I was taught to lay fiberglass about 20 yrs ago by my stepdad who owned 2 shrimp boats and boated all his life, numerous people who worked for hatteras, and boatyards that I frequent. We always paint the precut matt with resin (both sides till soaked), place it where needed, then spread and push out bubbles with a matt roller. Anyway, in most polyester resins, you can just add a little less MEK until you get it workable within the time limit you want. You can also dip your tools in acetone to keep them from hardening. I usually dip my brush everytime it begins "pulling". If I'm wrong I'd like to know...lol, seriously..... because this is the way I've been doing it for years, and I'm far from a professional. I only repair my own boats.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Help With Fiberglassing...

Good points drwgblanks!!There are things to consider when mixing poly resin,temperature,humindity,amount of resin.Making it less hot with hardener gives you more time.Always do a test batch see how fast it hardens is the best to tell your time