GRP finish

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by andy_s, Jan 30, 2003.

  1. andy_s
    Joined: Jan 2003
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10

    andy_s New Member

    I am new to boat-building, and am considering building a small catamaran from GRP on a plywood core.

    Whilst I have an understanding of laying GRP into a mold, I do not know how to get a smooth finish when building it up over plywood.

    Any advice would be appreciated!
     
    andy_s, Jan 30, 2003
    #1
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,815
    Likes: 1,726, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    It takes a lot of sanding; just like preparing a plug to make a mold of. After you finish laminating, put fairing compound over the whole thing. Then you sand with longboards until it is fair and smooth. There are several methods, but all require lots of elbow grease.
     
    gonzo, Jan 30, 2003
    #2
  3. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Yup -- like gonzo says, lots of hard work and many many hours sanding. And then after that, some more sanding to get it perfect.

    I've done lots of this myself. Recently though I've started to hear talk about the dangers of sanding fiberglass and even that forced air respirators are the only safe way to go. True? If so, I'm probably a gonner by now :D
     
    Guest, Jan 31, 2003
    #3
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