Epoxy And CSM?

[drewpster]

I heard somewhere that chop strand mat cannot be used with epoxy resin due to the binder used to produce CSM. I have a tight turn I need to lay up. Is this true? If I cannot use CSM what should I use for my repair? I need to repair an outside corner.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Epoxy And CSM?

Hey Chief - Don't know if this will answer your question but here's an article from Owens - Corning on their product:http://www.ocvreinforcements.com/product-families/Chopped_Strand_Mat.asp

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Epoxy And CSM?

Short answer: despite what some folks here believe, you can easily get CSM (usually just called mat here) that works with epoxy. I believe most of the stuff sold today does. For example, the store brand at west marine or the Bondo stuff sold at home depot is epoxy compatible.

I'd try to find a way to use fabric or biaxial though, it's stronger for the same weight. Biax oriented vertically or at least to match the curve might work. If you are going to have trouble getting it to lay down, maybe multiple layers of a thin cloth would work too.

The right way to do any serious repair on an outside curve is probably to pull a mold from a similar part of the hull (other side?) and use that to force repair cloth and resin into place, then fair afterward. But that may be a bit much for your repair, depending.

Erik

 

[drewpster]

Re: Epoxy And CSM?

The repair I need to make is about 6 inches from the transom where the side meets the bottom of the hull. I need to make the repair on the outside of the hull. I intend to use epoxy for its strength and bond given that the repair is in a high stress area. The bottom is going to be painted so gelcoat is not as much a concern. I am embarrassed to say the damage was caused when I removed the deck of my tri-hull. :redface: The bend at that point is a bit tight. I will also finish the repair on the inside of the hull when the deck gets re-glassed. I also thought epoxy would take the corner better than poly on the outside of the hull because of the tight bend.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Epoxy And CSM?

If you're repairng it from the inside too, then just use a light cloth and epoxy on the outside.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Epoxy And CSM?

OK, cool, fabric and epoxy it is. I am anxious to get started glassing. Grinding is messy. You should see the dust!