How to Repair Fiberglass Tears

Fiberglass is used to make thousands of items, from boats to shower stalls.

Fiberglass is a versatile material that is used to make thousands of items, from boats to shower stalls. It is durable and water-resistant and is easy to clean and maintain. However, even a wonder material such as fiberglass can become damaged from a tear in its surface. You can repair tears in fiberglass, no matter what the item is, using the correct materials and a procedure that requires a moderate amount of time and effort.

Things You'll Need

• Small plastic container
• Fiberglass epoxy
• Hardening agent
• Paint stirrer
• Fiberglass cloth
• Scissors
• Small paintbrush
• 150- to 200-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Sand the torn area of fiberglass, using 150- to 200-grit sandpaper, lightly rubbing the sandpaper over the damaged area to remove rough spots and make it smooth.

2. Mix the fiberglass epoxy with the hardening agent in a small plastic container, according to the manufacturer's directions. Use a paint stirrer to mix the ingredients.

3. Cut three strips of fiberglass material, using a pair of scissors. Cut the pieces longer than the tear by several inches and wider by 2 to 3 inches on each side of the tear.

4. Apply a coat of the epoxy mixture to the damaged area, using a small paintbrush. Lay a piece of the fabric evenly over the area. Ensure that there are no wrinkles in the material and that it lies perfectly flat.

5. Brush another coat of the epoxy mixture on top of the fabric and apply the second piece of fabric. Apply the epoxy mixture over the second piece of fabric and lay the third and final piece on top. Brush on a final coat of the epoxy mixture and let it dry for 24 hours.

6. Sand the repaired area lightly, using 150- to 200-grit sandpaper. Paint the item with a fiberglass paint or leave it unpainted, whichever you prefer.