Question on fiberglass layers!!!

[AJSVFORCE]

I am using chop strand mat for first layer,6oz. cloth for second,and roven woving for last.
This will go over my stringers,my question is can i lay all three layers on then poor the resin and start working it?
Do you have to do one at a time and wait for it to set up before starting next layer?
Thanks for the help,
Andy

 

[mattpyle]

Re: Question on fiberglass layers!!!

You have to coat each layer of mat/cloth with resin and set it in place one at a time. You don't have to wait for each layer to setup before applying the next layer though.

 

[AJSVFORCE]

Re: Question on fiberglass layers!!!

I bought my glassing materials from a fiberglass repair shop in Stover Mo. near Lake Of The Ozarks. They fix boats for a living, the guy on the phone seemed to know everything about fiberglass and restoration,but i dont think he did the actual repair work.
He said,if you can get all the layers wetted out before the resin cured it would be ok.
Have you done alot of fiberglass restoration mattpyle?

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Question on fiberglass layers!!!

I wouldn't. It makes it really hard to keep corners filled and without bubbles...

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Question on fiberglass layers!!!

Skip the cloth, it will be of no value. All layers can be done at the same time, the only issue is how fast the resin you have will get hard in the summer heat.

Doing it all at one time up to around 4 layers (depending on the type and weight of glass) is normal, plus its easier, faster, and will use less resin.

Like I said, the only issue how fast it gets hard.

 

[Lightnig]

Re: Question on fiberglass layers!!!

Doing it all at one time up to around 4 layers (depending on the type and weight of glass) is normal, plus its easier, faster, and will use less resin.

Really?

That surprises me. In all the threads I have read, it appears that the multiple layers are done one after another, but all in one session.

Have I been reading these wrong?

 

[AJSVFORCE]

Re: Question on fiberglass layers!!!

Thank you.I just started with the chopped mat and it is not soaking up the resin very well at all!
I think i am wasting more with run off than i am getting to soak in.
Is there some sort of aplication trick to get the resin to soak in quicker?
I am slowly pouring it over the top of the stringer trying to work it in but its almost like oil and water,it just runs down the side and right to the bottom of the boat.
I hope the roven aint this hard to get the resin to soak in!
Please if i am doing it wrong,or there is a better way,fill me in.
At this rate i will be chipping resin out of the bottom of the boat cause thats where its all going!
Thanks for the help,
Andy

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Question on fiberglass layers!!!

I should clarify that multiple layers can be done at one time, but you don't put all the glass down and then pour resin over it. Each layer is wet out independently, one at a time.

 

[Lightnig]

Re: Question on fiberglass layers!!!

AJSVFORCE, I would love to provide some guidance, but I haven't tackled a vertical section, yet...

Is you CSM tough enough to start wetting it out on a 'layout board' and then move it into place and then finish working the resin in with a brush/roller?

Also, did you pre-glass your stringer before you tabbed it into the hull? I would think that would make it much easier too...

I should clarify that multiple layers can be done at one time, but you don't put all the glass down and then pour resin over it. Each layer is wet out independently, one at a time.

OK, good, that's what I thought


Phew, for a bit there I was thinking that I was doing it wrong...

 

[legoman67]

Re: Question on fiberglass layers!!!

when we did our transom, we did each layer individually, it was best to do the next layer and the previous layer started to get tacky, because then it kinda held the cloth as we spread it out.

the only thing i can see with doing it all at once, is getting it all to stay in one place well you get it all ready(dry cloth, on dry sanded glass= no friction, slippery), and like others mentioned, eliminating air bubbles

 

[chrishayes]

Re: Question on fiberglass layers!!!

You may find a roller to be a better tool and dont pour the resin on. Use a paint pan and fiberglass roller cover. Make sure you are coating the wood prior to putting any glass on. I found that when using 1708 on a 12' long stringer I could have probably gotten 3 layers before it cured on me. But, I am using medium set epoxy. Different animal than what you are using. It took me about 4 hours to do those two layers! It is WORK!

 

[Wookie69]

Re: Question on fiberglass layers!!!

What I have done in the past is precut the mat. Then I use wax paper that is wide enough and longer than the mat. Lay the last piece down first, wet it out, then put the next layer wet it out making sure you remove air. I have done this up to 6 layers all wetted out. Then you take the wax paper and your layers flip all over to the stringer and use your roller to force out any air. Once I have it laid in just the way I want it I remove the wax paper and roll out and allow to cure.