Air Pockets in Corners

[kyboatbuilder]

What methods are out there to help eliminate air bubbles/pockets when laying up fiberglass in tight corners?
I pay meticulous attention to all corners when rolling and try to get my employees to do the same, but just can't beat it into their heads enough. Is there a putty or some type of compound that can be used before the layup process begins? I have head of using fiber putty but that there is still a chance of that breaking out. Any suggestions?

[grantn]

usually forming fillets with thickened resin works. allow it to gel slightly before laying up the cloth. i've seen most use cabosil some swear by milled fiber because the cabosil mixture is too 'brittle'. some use a mixture of both. west has a very good tutorial in their fiberglass handbook on this exact thing. in addition to the mixing sticks they recommend using (they have rounded ends fo this purpose) you can cut a fillet tool out of plastic. i've found that milk just tops make an excellent fillet tool.

the fillets are an absolute necessity for eliminating hard spots where a two panels meet at a perpendicular. whether using thickened resin fillets or some constructed from structural foam they need to be there to prevent cracking.

hope this answered your question.

[SamSam]

It depends on what you are making and where the corners are. Fillets with putty etc work well. Glass only bends so much and the corner has to fill with something to take the place of air, resin will do it but leaves it weak and prone to chipping, etc. When rolling, rolling into the corner sometimes works to push the glass into the corner(as opposed to rolling away from the corner and pulling the glass away).

[jrgrady]

It amazes me that production companies like Bayliner allows air to get under the glass. I am currently working on a 93 Bayliner Classic. After exposing the stringers, the glass was totally delaminated from the stringer. There was more air than I've ever seen. Anyway thats my $0.02

[kyboatbuilder]

I am mainly talking about corners and edges around storage compartments, livewells/baitwells, etc. All with recessed lids of course.
There isn't some type of putty or epoxy that can be used in this location that the glass and resin will bond to?

[ondarvr]

There are many products made for that purpose, just ask your current supplier what they carry. Don't over do it though, use as little putty as possiible because it's not as strong as glass.

[c-cat]

Try Laying Single Strand (chop Strand) Around Corners After Brushing Resin,so It Sticks,then Follow With Laminate.it May Be Time Consuming As First,but It's Faster Than Filling With Gummie Gel.,sanding,and Polishing.