Favorite Epoxy/Resin Fillet Fairing gel coat combo

Discussion in 'Materials' started by Munson, Mar 25, 2021.

  1. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
    Posts: 7,598
    Likes: 1,674, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: usa

    fallguy Senior Member

    If the rotten area is small, I'd be inclined to put the door back on and let it dry out for a month. Isn't the box covering the door? Or is the old access panel the new door?
     
    Munson likes this.
  2. Munson
    Joined: Mar 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 2, Points: 8
    Location: New York

    Munson Junior Member

    Fairing Question, I am using west system fairing.The video on YouTube says after sanding, Apply several layers of epoxy. The tube of 407 says sand and place a barrier coat.Are they one in the same? Or can I skip to primer? Thanks
     
  3. Munson
    Joined: Mar 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 2, Points: 8
    Location: New York

    Munson Junior Member

    It was the bottom of the old access panel I removed
     
  4. missinginaction
    Joined: Aug 2007
    Posts: 1,103
    Likes: 254, Points: 83, Legacy Rep: 512
    Location: New York

    missinginaction Senior Member

    The idea Munson is to insure that the plywood you're using is completely sealed. You need a thickness of resin to achieve a waterproof coating. If you put down a couple of coats of resin before you laid down the fiberglass cloth and then filled the weave with 2 or 3 additional coats I'd say you're ready to paint. Don't skimp on the resin. You want to do this once and be done with it.
     
    Munson likes this.
  5. Munson
    Joined: Mar 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 2, Points: 8
    Location: New York

    Munson Junior Member

    16 years ago I used git rot on my transom
    I laid down a few coats before glass...But I sanded it smooth and noticed it did not Penetrate too deep(okoume African wood)unless it was the cool temps that prevented it from penetrating.I guess I’ll sand and epoxy again then sand before primer.This feels like a long road trip to a destination you have not traveled before.The first time feels like forever to the destination and the return trip feels like 1/2 the time.Thanks again
     
  6. missinginaction
    Joined: Aug 2007
    Posts: 1,103
    Likes: 254, Points: 83, Legacy Rep: 512
    Location: New York

    missinginaction Senior Member

    Don't worry about the penetration. Epoxy doesn't have to soak in much. West is rather thick compared to System Three General Purpose or MAS Low Viscosity but you'll be fine with it. The film thickness is what's giving you the water resistance. The reason for the paint is that epoxy is not UV resistant. Unprotected, it will break down in a year or two in the tropics. It might hold up longer up here in New York. Never the less it needs paint.
     
    Munson likes this.
  7. Munson
    Joined: Mar 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 2, Points: 8
    Location: New York

    Munson Junior Member

    I guess the 407 has micro balloons and these balloons absorb moisture?that is why they suggest the epoxy?If I would have known this I would have left my epoxy out in the cold weather and laid it on thick, then sanded the epoxy smooth like I did the 1st round.I remember when I was building fishing poles the epoxy would run if it was warmed up first and would gel when colder.I was going to try and pull a fast one and skip it but it’s not worth it.The fairing clogged up my sandpaper every 4 minutes like clockwork
     
  8. missinginaction
    Joined: Aug 2007
    Posts: 1,103
    Likes: 254, Points: 83, Legacy Rep: 512
    Location: New York

    missinginaction Senior Member

    Micro balloons are just hollow glass spheres that serve as a fairing material that makes sanding easier. They wouldn't absorb moisture as they are mixed with the epoxy. I can see that you want to be done with this. Understandable. Just keep following the manufacturers directions. Patience is the word. You need to give the resins and paints time to cure.
     
    Munson likes this.
  9. Munson
    Joined: Mar 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 2, Points: 8
    Location: New York

    Munson Junior Member

    Thank You, you always pull me back to patience.I started a coat of resin.I read on another thread that microballoons retain water.I respect your knowledge,I will put down a few neat coats before the primer.And again Thank you!
     
  10. missinginaction
    Joined: Aug 2007
    Posts: 1,103
    Likes: 254, Points: 83, Legacy Rep: 512
    Location: New York

    missinginaction Senior Member

    You'll be OK Munson.
     
  11. Munson
    Joined: Mar 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 2, Points: 8
    Location: New York

    Munson Junior Member

    I have primed/then sanded...it went well till I laid down the paint(roll and tip)I had numerous debris embedded in the paint.I think this is where I let Mother Nature wear down the imperfections over the years.
     

    Attached Files:

  12. Munson
    Joined: Mar 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 2, Points: 8
    Location: New York

    Munson Junior Member

    My Gel coat surrounding the box is dull so time will make both the box and gel coat look as one.
     
    missinginaction likes this.
  13. Munson
    Joined: Mar 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 2, Points: 8
    Location: New York

    Munson Junior Member

     

    Attached Files:

  14. Munson
    Joined: Mar 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 2, Points: 8
    Location: New York

    Munson Junior Member

    It looks like the wood delaminated from the glass and the wood is dry rot.The new box is to be mounted to the side walls of the opening , that will compress the wood to the glass.Can I just seal the exposed wood with epoxy?
     

  15. missinginaction
    Joined: Aug 2007
    Posts: 1,103
    Likes: 254, Points: 83, Legacy Rep: 512
    Location: New York

    missinginaction Senior Member

    The photo you have there shows the end grain. How far back into the original opening does that rotted wood extend? If it's just a support for the opening that only extends a few inches back, remove it. You could replace it with ply (all sealed up - three coats of resin and bedded where the screws penetrate). You might also consider replacing it with a thin piece of aluminum bar stock which will never rot. If it goes way back and is essentially part of the boat I'd still remove the portion of the rotted ply that is within an inch or two of the box opening. You can then install a new piece of wood or aluminum. If you use wood you can thicken some resin and glue it in, for aluminum I'd use a sealent like Sika 291 and some machine screws.
     
    Munson and ondarvr like this.
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.