Fiberglass Structural Repair

Fiberglass Repair

Safety Precautions

 WARNING: ALWAYS USE RUBBER GLOVES OR THE SPECIAL HAND CREAM SUPPLIED WITH EPOXY RESIN REPAIR KITS. REMOVE ANY RESIN FROM HANDS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND PARTICULARLY BEFORE THE MIXTURE STARTS TO GEL. ANY RESIN THAT ADHERES TO THE HANDS MAY BE REMOVED WITH LACQUER THINNER FOLLOWED BY A THOROUGH WASHING WITH SOAP AND WATER.

 WARNING: USE A RESPIRATOR WHEN GRINDING THE FIBERGLASS SURFACE AND USE A VACUUM ATTACHMENT WHEN OPERATING A BELT SANDER.

 WARNING: ALWAYS WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA IN ORDER TO AVOID POSSIBLE TOXIC FUMES THAT MAY RESULT FROM USING RESIN MIXTURES. EXERCISE CARE SO AS NOT TO GET ANY RESIN ON CLOTHING.

 CAUTION: Keep all materials, utensils and the work area clean and dry as resin repairs involve chemical reactions. Any dirt, foreign material or moisture may upset the chemical reaction and result in an unsatisfactory repair.

Repair Procedure

Grind or sand away all loose or broken material at the damaged area. Scuff sand the surface approximately 25mm (1 inch) around the area to provide a good bonding surface. Make sure the surface to be repaired is clean, dry, oil and paint free.

For cracks, form a shallow V-shape along the crack with a file or grinder. Fill the area with a good quality polyester or epoxy body repair compound. Follow the manufacturer's directions with regard to mixing procedures. Allow the compound to harden and then sand smooth. If the surface is not level or smooth, use an additional filling and sand to a final smooth finish.

For larger broken areas use fiberglass cloth (five layers) impregnated with the resin, to cover the area. Overlap the damaged portion by 25-50mm (1-2 inches). When the material has hardened, file or grind and sand smooth. If low spots exist, fill them with resin mixture to which short fibers cut from the fiberglass cloth have been added. Add enough of the cloth to form a putty-like resin mixture.

Painting

After the desired repaired surface has been obtained, prime and paint the surface in the normal manner.