fiberglass on plywood

[Jan Van]

I'm a first time user of the forum.
Have started building my own design 23 Ft Cat.
Using 3/8" plywood. Have covered first hull with fiberglass.
I don't seem to be able to get a smooth finish.
My sander just get pugged up.
Any ideas out there.
My project has ground to a halt.
Hoping to get a nice finish before I start on the second hull.
John Vanderheyden, Coutice, Ontario, Canada.

[nero]

Describe what products and in what order you put on over the fiberglass. What type of resin did you use? What type of sander and what grit of paper?

A close up photo may help.

Did your left over resin set up nice and hard in the pots?

Maybe you are using to fast of a sander?

[KFB]

You need to apply a 2-part fairing compound over the raw glass. 3M, ATC, etc all make them. You'll need to verify that the type you get is compatible with the type of resin you used in laying-up the glass (poly, vinyl, epoxy). Fairing compound is the marine equivilent of "bond-o" on cars, and is made to be sanded smooth. The sanding takes ALOT of time and hard work to get a decent finish, you'll also need to build some long-board sanders to get a fair surface.

[fiberglass jack]

what resin are you using epoxy or regular fiberglass resin (polyester) if your using polyester you probally got laminating resin which does not have a wax and stayes tacky this is so you can put many layers without having to sand between layers a finshing resin will have wax added to it and will dry hard and sand without gumming the paper, you could place a layer of c veil its like a fiberglass tissue over the hull , or you could throw on some fairing compound and block it down with flex longboards you will have to throw on more on low spots till you get her smooth

[fiberglass jack]

give me a call if you stuck 416 5001250

[Jan Van]

Thanks..nero,KFB and fiberglass jack for your responses.
I'll try to attach some JPEGS to this message.
I'm using a polyester resin solution in styrene and a very light cloth.
Even after months the hull is still very very slightly tacky.
I tried different grits, by hand, by belt and other sanders.
I had some runs and cloth overlaps I tried to smooth.
It's not too bad now, but not really how I'd like it.
Don't want to put another coat on something not satisfactory. Plus it seems I been fighting and using tons of sand paper already. got to get some answers before another hull needs fiberglass.
Some years ago I built two different 14' boats, lamenated masts, sewed sails and all worked out great.
Those boats were just painted. Now I wonder why I started with a fiberglass coat??
I'll try to attach some JPEGS (my first time).
Thanks again!
John VanderHeyden,Courtice,Ontario,Canada.

[fiberglass jack]

all you need is wax , next time you go to rayplex ask for Ray tell him jack from dwight crane sent you