How to Make Fiberglass Skimboards
There are two main types of skimboards that are typically used: wooden and foam-core. When building a foam-core skimboard, a protective layer of fiberglass must be included on the outside. This fiberglass layer seals the foam inside, waterproofing the skimboard and forming a barrier to protect against damage.
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Things You'll Need
- Divinycell H-80 high-density foam sheet, 3/4-inch thick
- 6-oz. weight fiberglass cloth
- Jigsaw
- Coarse-grit sandpaper
- Scissors
- Epoxy resin
- Paint brush
Instructions
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1
Draw the desired shape of the skimboard on one side of the Divinycell H-80 foam sheet or trace the outline of another skimboard onto it. This type of foam from which professional skimboards are made.
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2
Cut the outline of the skimboard from the foam sheet using a jigsaw. Wear proper safety equipment while cutting.
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3
Sand the edges of the foam cutout with coarse-grit sandpaper until they are smooth and slightly rounded.
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4
Cover the foam cutout with the fiberglass cloth to measure the appropriate amount needed. Cut out enough fiberglass cloth to cover the skimboard in two layers on the top and bottom.
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5
Spread enough epoxy resin to cover the top of the foam skimboard using a paint brush. Place one piece of the fiberglass cloth on top of it and smooth out any wrinkles with your hand. Press the cloth tightly to the board and wrap the edges of the cloth around the edge of the board. Use the paint brush to spread out the epoxy resin evenly as it soaks into the cloth.
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6
Repeat Step 5 to add another layer of fiberglass cloth to the top of the skimboard. Scrape any excessive epoxy from the skimboard with a piece of paper. Allow the epoxy to dry for about 30 minutes.
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7
Turn the skimboard over and repeat the process from Steps 5 and 6 on the bottom side, making sure the fiberglass cloth is saturated with the epoxy resin. Remove any excess epoxy and allow the skimboard to dry for another 30 minutes.
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