Fiberglass - from raw to finished surface

[Bcone1381]

The Epoxy Wipe Method......I believe this video describes what an industry best practice to transform a raw fiberglass surface to smooth finished surface that is ready to receive primer/paint. I've used it, and this was discussed in passing at by fiberglass experts at 2022 Air-venture presentation on Fiberglass for RV's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43K1qwoHbnc

[way_up_north]

appreciate you posting this, very interesting video

[Brett795]

Just like Sam showed, we did a similar method on our Quickie, Long Ez and Velocity. For finishing we have always used West. Seems easier to sand than EZ poxy or Aero Poxy (there was a 3rd company my dad had used as well on one of his planes but cannot remember).

[Bcone1381]

I have almost no experience using West. For those wondering, the mix of Epoxy (I use AeroPoxy) and Micro Balloons changes the epoxy from a Syrup to Peanut Butter consistency (like adding flour to oil in the kitchen I suppose) with the proper addition of Micro Balloons (which are dust size glass spheres.) I use AeroPoxy because I find Epoxy expensive and I waist epoxy and money every time I pumped a batch using the West Pumps. So I switched and now I use a scale, can mix exactly the volume I desire, and I waist very little epoxy now. I find sanding this Dry Micro mix to be of no difficulty at all, but I cant compare it to a Dry Micro mix made from West Systems epoxy.

I also add three elements to my epoxy. Micro Balloons like this video shows is one is non-structural and very good for surface finishing. Flocked Cotton (aka chopped cotton or Flox) added to epoxy is structural and very strong but hard to sand but not suitable for surface finishing. Cab-o-sil is the third, and is a thickener used to prevent the epoxy from dripping from a layup that is done on a vertical surface. All these additives are very inexpensive, common, and available from Spruce.