What is a good fairing compound for use on epoxy?

[Mark42]

I'll be starting the Bayliner hard top project again in a few weeks (check the signature links to see progress so far). Just wondering what is a good fairing compound for use on epoxy/glass work? Is it better to just mix up your own using cabosil or the like?

I also found that safety laminated glass in not really very expensive, so I'll have the local glass shop cut me two glass windshields and two side windows. 1/4" laminated glass cut with ground finished edges was $40 for a 20"x30" piece. I like the idea of using glass instead of plexy because it will not scratch as easy as plexy, and I can add a windshield wiper - something you can't do with plexy.

Today took the wife and kids to a restaurant on the bay. We watched Grady White after Grady White leave the marina. They all had hard tops with a canvas/plastic rear cover. Gotta add one of those for the cool early Spring and Fall outings.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What is a good fairing compound for use on epoxy?

Just wondering what is a good fairing compound for use on epoxy/glass work? Is it better to just mix up your own using cabosil or the like?

Ayuh,...... That's pretty much what I do........

Micro Bubbles sand awhole lot easier than just cabosil......

 

[Coors]

Re: What is a good fairing compound for use on epoxy?

And fiberglass resin hates epoxy; like Bondo said, use more epoxy with fillers-easier to sand

 

[Mark42]

Re: What is a good fairing compound for use on epoxy?

Ever use Wood Flour? I have used it for furniture work. Mix with glue to make a putty like filler. It sands easy. I wonder how well it will hold up, it will be under Top Side paint?

 

[Coors]

Re: What is a good fairing compound for use on epoxy?

When I rebuilt my stringers (The full f/g sides were there, just needed to dig out the rotted 1x and foam, and pour in epoxy and fiber). I went to the local Ace hardware, and helped the guys clean up under the table saw that they use to cut lumber.
I used the free sawdust as filler in the epoxy, as I figured there was more fiber in the sawdust.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: What is a good fairing compound for use on epoxy?

I had to make "ribs" on my hull when repairing my jetski (to match the other side), and also faired in all the scratches from beaching. I read you can use ordinary flour, but didn't try it. I used talcum powder (Baby Powder by Johnson & Johnson). About 1:1 ratio with the epoxy. It worked well, and that's what I'd use again. I have no experience with the microbaloons or anything else, so can't give you a comparison.

As a bonus, it makes your shop smell baby fresh when sanding.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: What is a good fairing compound for use on epoxy?

As a bonus, it makes your shop smell baby fresh when sanding.

LOL


Just as a point of trivia, talc/limestone is what 3m 5200 and PL polyurethane sealer both use as a filler. Talc doesn't add strength to the mix though, just thickness, so don't use it where you need strength.

Erik