stephentyler20
Petty Officer 2nd Class
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2008
- Messages
- 117
Sorry for posting on this yet AGAIN, but I'm still feeling quite uneasy about how to approach the fiberglass portion of this project. I have ZERO experience with fiberglass.
My idea is as follows: I'm going to smooth out my console (pic below in its current state) with some puddy to fill the cracks around the plywood. Then, after saran wrapping the plywood bits, I'm going to apply mold release wax to the whole shebang. Then, layup 6-10oz of fiberglass mat, with the idea being to create a cap of sorts that will house my gauges, buttons, etc. Once the resin has cured, I will sand, fill, fair, and paint the fiberglass to get a smooth finish, remove it from the helm, remove all the plywood, and affix the new part via screws or hinges.
I have several concerns...
- what TYPE of polyester resin to use? I assume laminating at first, but then do I need to use a wax-resin or something?
- is mat ONLY OK? Should I be able to smooth that down with enough sanding/fairing?
- how about 'glassing the vertical surface? Will that be easy to do, or will I need some sort of filler? If so, what kind?
- Any other tips? Suggestions?
I'm really, really green here... I don't have any materials or supplies, so I'm trying to make as few trips to the shipstore as possible. I don't have a good fiberglass supply store, just marinas and such.
Thanks for your help!
My idea is as follows: I'm going to smooth out my console (pic below in its current state) with some puddy to fill the cracks around the plywood. Then, after saran wrapping the plywood bits, I'm going to apply mold release wax to the whole shebang. Then, layup 6-10oz of fiberglass mat, with the idea being to create a cap of sorts that will house my gauges, buttons, etc. Once the resin has cured, I will sand, fill, fair, and paint the fiberglass to get a smooth finish, remove it from the helm, remove all the plywood, and affix the new part via screws or hinges.
I have several concerns...
- what TYPE of polyester resin to use? I assume laminating at first, but then do I need to use a wax-resin or something?
- is mat ONLY OK? Should I be able to smooth that down with enough sanding/fairing?
- how about 'glassing the vertical surface? Will that be easy to do, or will I need some sort of filler? If so, what kind?
- Any other tips? Suggestions?
I'm really, really green here... I don't have any materials or supplies, so I'm trying to make as few trips to the shipstore as possible. I don't have a good fiberglass supply store, just marinas and such.
Thanks for your help!
