Fairing Before Glass

[Ben M]

Hey guys

A few years ago, I started a build. Moved twice, lost a dog, added two babies to the family . . . the boat has waited patiently. Now, circumstances are allowing me to finally make actual progress again. It feels good.

This group has been an incredible source of knowledge and valuable experience in the past. Here's my latest question:

How "perfect" does my fairing need to be before glass?

My cured and sanded fairing compound has some tiny holes in it from bubbles and a couple of gouges caused by pieces of cured epoxy breaking off the sides of the mixing cup. Next time I will remember this lesson and thoroughly pick every piece of epoxy off the inside of the cup before mixing new stuff.

I'd like to avoid yet another coat of fairing compound and sanding it afterward. I'm trying to get this thing DONE! Our second split opens Dec 17!

Ben M

 

[Steve Sanford]

Ben~

I would fill those little imperfections IMMEDIATELY BEFORE you begin your 'glassing. I do this all the time. Just mix a small batch of filler (microballoons) and apply with a putty knife or squeegee. Then roll on your first coat of resin while the filler is still soft. It will all cure as part of the resin-cloth matrix.

Hope this helps!

SJS

 

[Ben M]

I appreciate the great tip there!