PB Explained

Yacht Dr.

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Feb 26, 2005
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Hello Iboats and welcome all new and used Iboaters :) ..

Today I would like to talk about the evasive PB ( peanut butter ) mix.

We have all heard about the elusive PB .. we can search it out .. but what does PB actually mean.

PB = cabosil + Resin ? .. or is it something you buy off the shelf at your auto body store ?

Its both .. its just a term used for "filler" ...

PB is a term used loosely around here and I would like to correct it.

PB is just an acronym for "filler" .. thats it.

Its what goes into a resin that makes it thicker.

You can use wood dust or cabosil or micro balloons.. you can use cotton flock or other agents to thicken your resin.

Lets not start/continue using PB as a term for resin+cabosil+chopped up glass.

Call it what it is.

Putty.

Structural or for Fairing .. or fills. You have to use different products for what your trying to do.

IMHO PB has reached a point of almost uselessness .. its become such a generic term.

Have a good weekend.

YD.
 

73Chrysler105

Chief Petty Officer
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Sep 10, 2009
Messages
407
Re: PB Explained

Yes but now the question is whats the difference in each of the fillers and how they are used. I believe Peanut Butter (PB) was mainly used for describing the cabosil mix with chop strand as a structural material and Mayonaise was used for use with Microballoons for fairing material. I am making a filler material with epoxy and sawdust that looks a lot like chunky or crunchy peanut butter.
 

tpenfield

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Re: PB Explained

Is there something that the term Jelly is used for. . ??? If it were used with filler, could we call it PB & J ????
 

mwe-maxxowner

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Jun 20, 2012
Messages
825
Re: PB Explained

I think it arose because it often has the consistency of peanut butter, but I agree it is confusing at first. If it were referred to as "fiberglass putty" I think even a newbie would grasp what it is.
 

73Chrysler105

Chief Petty Officer
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Messages
407
Re: PB Explained

then it would be shortened to FP and everyone would be asking what is FP
 

Woodonglass

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Re: PB Explained

IMHO that's YD's Opinion and He's entitled to it. PB IS just the Acronym used to describe thickened resin used for filling gaps and aiding in using Resin as Glue on vertical structures. I see no reason for changing it. It's usage and methods for creating it have been discussed ad infinitum here on the forum. It's up to each individual member to determine the correct ingredients for their application cuz there are a LOT of different instances that call for different types of mixes. If you don't know then POST the question and you will get all the answers you want or don't want. As always it's up to the person asking the question to ferret out the answer that makes the most sense to them and move forward. There is NO Definitive answer as far as I am concerned and NO ONE person that can give one. If there were, we'd all just email him and this forum would Close.
 

sphelps

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Nov 16, 2011
Messages
11,475
Re: PB Explained

I agree with YD that it is just a term for a filler . I did not know what it was until it was explained in detail which was resin /cabosil mix . But reading more post there are many ways that other people make it . I do not see the need to change the term it kinda sticks .:lol: So in honor of of this wonderful goo ...
It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!!! - YouTube
:)
 

ondarvr

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Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Re: PB Explained

PB is better than vegemite, in more ways than one (sorry to those down under).

The term PB isn’t used anywhere else in the industry, just here and a couple of other DIY sites. I don’t call it PB, but I’ve sort of gotten used to it here.
 

hornblower

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 21, 2009
Messages
35
Re: PB Explained

I was under the impression that the original Peanut Butter (PB) was resin and sawdust (commonly used in plywood stitch and glue boats) because it has the color and consistency of peanut butter and that all the other mixes were just variations of this basic idea. But hey, what do I know?
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
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Messages
5,581
Re: PB Explained

To answer some questions ..

Yes but now the question is whats the difference in each of the fillers and how they are used. I believe Peanut Butter (PB) was mainly used for describing the cabosil mix with chop strand as a structural material and Mayonaise was used for use with Microballoons for fairing material. I am making a filler material with epoxy and sawdust that looks a lot like chunky or crunchy peanut butter.

I would ask you to do a Search on "Mayo" .. I think I was the first one to bring up that kind of consistancy ..

You can ask anyone here .. the thickness of your filler is up to your application .. and what you put in it ( your filler ) is up to you and your application.

Is there something that the term Jelly is used for. . ??? If it were used with filler, could we call it PB & J ????

Only if you think Jelly is a term for a sammy .. jelly is used in dialect of an old school filler with gel. It does not have anything to do with PB and J put together .. I dont think your getting it.

I think it arose because it often has the consistency of peanut butter, but I agree it is confusing at first. If it were referred to as "fiberglass putty" I think even a newbie would grasp what it is.

I Think your right .. every new projector would understand what we are talking about ( rather than subjecting them to look at post #1209 of an other thread ). which really has no Idea what Self mixing is all about.

then it would be shortened to FP and everyone would be asking what is FP

Whats wrong with calling Fiberglass Putty FP .. Instead of PB ( Peanut Butter ) ? Its NOT Peanut Butter and it rarely is the viscosity of PB ..

Why dont we call it SMP ( Self Made Putty ) or even SMFP ( Self Made Fiberglass Putty ). .. or why not call it what it is. A Filler for what application your trying to do. What about GF .. Gel Filler ?

IMHO that's YD's Opinion and He's entitled to it. PB IS just the Acronym used to describe thickened resin used for filling gaps and aiding in using Resin as Glue on vertical structures. I see no reason for changing it. It's usage and methods for creating it have been discussed ad infinitum here on the forum. It's up to each individual member to determine the correct ingredients for their application cuz there are a LOT of different instances that call for different types of mixes. If you don't know then POST the question and you will get all the answers you want or don't want. As always it's up to the person asking the question to ferret out the answer that makes the most sense to them and move forward. There is NO Definitive answer as far as I am concerned and NO ONE person that can give one. If there were, we'd all just email him and this forum would Close.

PB is NOT just an Acronym used to describe thickened resin used for filling gaps and aiding in using resin as a glue on Vertical structures..

PB is what You have helped say it is.


Good one there decker. .. I have some hot sauce to go with your popcorn :D.

:laugh::rofl::laugh:

I agree ..

I agree with YD that it is just a term for a filler . I did not know what it was until it was explained in detail which was resin /cabosil mix . But reading more post there are many ways that other people make it . I do not see the need to change the term it kinda sticks . So in honor of of this wonderful goo ...
It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!!! - YouTube
:)

Yea .. its just a filler .. but PB means so much

PB is better than vegemite, in more ways than one (sorry to those down under).

The term PB isn’t used anywhere else in the industry, just here and a couple of other DIY sites. I don’t call it PB, but I’ve sort of gotten used to it here.

And I thought you would back me a bit more on this .. what a let down..

I was under the impression that the original Peanut Butter (PB) was resin and sawdust (commonly used in plywood stitch and glue boats) because it has the color and consistency of peanut butter and that all the other mixes were just variations of this basic idea. But hey, what do I know?

Its just a name for a filler .. and it seems that nobody wants to suggest what PB actually IS .. It can be many things .. it can be for glass repair or gel .. but Nobody seems to want to touch the subject further then what I take it to be. ..

Its just a Term .. its not helpful unless you want to put resin/mixes in there.

Its just " make some PB and read up on so and so Thread " ...

You Want to know what PB is .. and how to make it .. then go to this or that Thread !!

There is NO solid PB ... EVER ! Its application.

YD.

PS. Hornblower .. you ever consider putting a Horatio or an H in front of that name .. best books ..
 

DeepBlue2010

Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 19, 2010
Messages
1,305
Re: PB Explained

Every trade has its own lingo and terminology. A new comer owes it to him/herself to get familiar with the terminology of the trade but we can also help make this job easier for them. To be honest, between the sarcasm and the defensive attitude, I lost the whole point of this thread but assuming that our goal is to help new comers by reducing the confusion around the use of this term and multiple others, what about a glossary thread added to the sticky section?! Here is my first contribution..


  • Peanut Butter (a.k.a PB) A mix of resin (polyester or epoxy with a filler and/or fiberglass for the purpose of making a putty. Ingredients and ratios depend on the intended application of the putty (filling, fairing, structural, cosmetic, above waterline, under waterline, etc)
    • Origin (to the best of our knowledge) Started as a description of the consistency of the putty (e.g. ?mix resin and so and so to the consistency of Peanut Butter? )and morphed overtime to refer to the final product (the putty)
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Re: PB Explained

And I thought you would back me a bit more on this .. what a let down..

I almost made a post just like yours a couple of times, maybe I was just hoping the term would go away on its own.
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,929
Re: PB Explained

It's been my experience that when terminology sticks around like PB seems to have, it's because the people relate to it and WANT it to. I see NO reason why it could not be explained in detail in a STICKY at the top as many other topics have.
 

Jedo_03

Seaman
Joined
Feb 6, 2013
Messages
53
Re: PB Explained

Well... Speaking as a Newbie...
I 'think' I now know what PB 'is' and 'isn't'...
A 'sticky' on the subject would be very useful. Especially if there was some explanation and elaboration of what consistencies are required for various applications: structural, filler, bonding, immersion, etc., and some consensus about which particulate to use for each type of application.
"Peanut Butter" is a useful description: most folks would know the consistency of the "Smooth" and "Crunchy" grocery items - but if there are 'other' consistencies, then we should have comparative terminology to describe this: eg Syrup, Jam, Treacle, 'PB', etc...
"Jelly" isn't really "spreadable" - so I query that descriptor...
And I was told recently by a boat repairer here in Aus NOT to use Cabosil or Aerofill as a particulate additive because it is too brittle...
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
Re: PB Explained

It still never ceases to amaze me as what will spark conversation and arguments on these comments sections. What is a pretty simple issue brings out so many debates and differences. "PB" was a new term to me not that long ago. But any newbie can and should research their boating problems and the associated lingo to become acquainted with the usual terms used in these comment sections. I did just that and am now learning new things about all types of boats and repairs near daily. I say leave everything as is and the newbies (well most anyway) will learn as they go as well... "PB" is not a chiseled-in-stone single recipe but a mere idea of how to mix filler for different repairs. Anybody doing their own repairs will adjust their mixture for their needs after understanding what "PB" truly is. So yes there are many different recipes out there with no one being any better than any other...to some extent. "PD" is a concept in that respect...
 

GT1000000

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
4,916
Re: PB Explained

Hi guys,
This is one very interesting thread about an age old problem...

I had never before heard the term PB until I joined in on this crazy task of restoring my old tub...

Actually, my first exposure to it was by "friscojarrett" when he called it "pooky" in his vids...:rolleyes:

I have worked in and around places where fiberglass was used extensively and we used to just call it what it is, a filler...
Whether structural or cosmetic, we would either already know what consistency and what ingredients to add to it, or someone would tell us how to make a particular type for the current needs...

Funny thing is, I started throwing this term around at the boat yard where I spend some time at, and the guys have taken to it like Jelly to Peanut Butter...:lol:

The age old problem I am referring to is what to call certain things...

There is a song on the radio that mentions some of these dilemmas...

Back in the day:
Crack- meant a break of some kind or a joke at someones expense...today it is a bad drug...
Screw- meant a part that was used to attach things together...today, well, it is a family site after all...

Lap top- meant having someone sit on your lap....today, well you start to get the picture...

The list is long of things that, at one time meant one thing, but today have morphed into meaning something completely different...

Even though PB, is still a tasty treat...it seems to have caught on here on the forum to mean something we use in various ways to help repair or restore our boats...

Just like filler can also mean a tasty treat found inside of our favorite pastries...

I really don't mind what you call certain things, as long as you are willing to explain what it is and what its for...

In the auto repair industry we used to joke about Kinnibullar [sp.?] Pins and Muffler Bearings, and in the Air Force we used to tell the new recruits to get us a can of Jet Blast or Prop Wash...all in fun and just because...

At least PB has a somewhat real relationship to something real, unlike the above quips...

Keep up they great repertoire...its what makes life interesting and informative...

Have an awesome day, guys:D
 
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