laying down glass

[phatmanmike]

hello, i just layed down glass on the floor of my boat, for the first time, and it looks like a one handed retarded monkey did it.....<br /><br />i did the whole floor. i did 3 layers. first two layers were smaller peices, about 1 foot square. actually came out semi smooth, not too bad for firsttime. 3rd was a big mistake, i did the whole floor as one big sheet, and it looks like crap, bubbles, wrinkles and ****.<br /><br />what is the prefered method... i never did it before, as you could tell from pics if i had them

 

[G DANE]

Re: laying down glass

I'v had the best results by applying resin to board first, using a 4" lacquer roller and same tool afterwards applying resin on mat/clouth. A brush will make it awfully uneven and create lots of sanding - eew.

 

[BillP]

Re: laying down glass

Did you use a fiberglass roller? They have ridges to get the air out and flatten the cloth. They also let you push resin around to keep saturation equal for a level surface. It's difficult to impossible to achieve a good glass job without one. <br /><br />I use a small plastic cheapo for most boat projects. It's 6" wide and about 1/2"-3/4" diameter. Last one I bought locally was about $5. For big jobs you can get large metal rollers but they are NOT needed for 99% of home projects.<br /><br />Check this link for a pic. <br /><br /> http://www.fibreglast.com/showproducts-category-Applicators-96.html

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: laying down glass

sorry, yes, i bruseh on the resin forst, layed down the glass, rolled it in with the roller that looks like a bunch of discs on a shaft, and then would add more resin if needed and squeege out the rest/excess...<br /><br />but do you lay it down as ONE BIG PEICE or a bunch of SMALLER PEICES

 

[BillP]

Re: laying down glass

Do an area as big as you can work before the resin kicks.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: laying down glass

I layed mine in 4x7 foot sections, used enough resin for the job, and rolled it out with a proper fiberglassing roller. You have to keep rolling it out until there are no bubbles and the material is fully wetted out (it becomes almost clear when fully wetted out). I guess I can't figure out how it could have become messed up, usually tight bends is where the trouble begins.

 

[petrolhead]

Re: laying down glass

Sounds like you need a paddle roller, also known as a consolidating roller. Viewed end on it looks like a metal vane, and it's very effective for getting the bubbles out, it sort of breaks up the bundles of fibres to allow resin to penetrate properly.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: laying down glass

UPDATE: bought a new belt sander, 3 x 21 , from sears.... what a difference that made. now floor is real smooth and looks excellent, i guess i was making my remarks before all was said and done.<br /><br />i still dont see how one person could lay such a large sheet of glass at once.<br /><br />oh well, live and learn.<br /><br />next.....

 

[Terry H]

Re: laying down glass

practice, practice, practice...the first time I did resin and glass was about 1964...have done alot since...even was a patternmaker ina fiberglass manufacturing facility for a couple'o'years...still get impatient and make mistakes with poly once ina great while...it's a longer learning curve than most think...just a thought