Too Cold for Fiberglass?

[penst8grad]

When should I give up glassing for the winter. I realize that I can use a heater and keep things warm, but without using an external heat source when is too cold?

 

[Stenella]

Re: Too Cold for Fiberglass?

I am wondering the same thing, I hope to have my new boat glassed and ready to go by spring.

I'd be nervous to use a heater, aren't the fumes from the epoxy curing flammable?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Too Cold for Fiberglass?

All depends on what you're using for glassing resin.

With polyester you need 60-degrees or better in order to get the resin to kick. With epoxy you'll have no such issues.

 

[Stenella]

Re: Too Cold for Fiberglass?

All depends on what you're using for glassing resin.

With polyester you need 60-degrees or better in order to get the resin to kick. With epoxy you'll have no such issues.

Are there any disadvantages to using the epoxy instead of the resin?

Thanks!

 

[jddenham]

Re: Too Cold for Fiberglass?

From what I understand, epoxy is far more expensive, and must be painted as it is not a bondable surface for gelcoat.

Please correct me if I'm wrong!

iWombat, are you saying that I can use epoxy outdoors in near freezing temperatures?

 

[penst8grad]

Re: Too Cold for Fiberglass?

Okey Dokey. I spent the extra $$ for epoxy resin so I am hopefully good to go. Using heaters is a pain when it is not really cold in the garage. And when it is that cold, I'm not going out there anyway.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Too Cold for Fiberglass?

You can make poly resin set by using more catalyst, when it's cold. You may also use heat. It really depends on what you are trying to do. I did my floor in the winter. I applied the glass, set up the heater, installed the boat cover, and put some blankets over the cover for insulation. The boat was toasty warm. It also helps to pre heat the boat, and then apply the glass.

Poly resin is very flammable. I think epoxy resin is flammable as well. it is much safer to warm everything up and then apply the glass and insulation (no direct heat). Be careful with those heaters. Large watt light bulbs are an option for heating, as well.