How to Coat With Fiberglass

Working with fiberglass might seem like a daunting chore better left to the professionals, but with a little patience and skill it can be conquered. Fiberglass is used in many situations: underwater use on the hull of a boat, sealing a model airplane, or fixing the parts of a car. The following steps will guide you in this process.

Things You'll Need

• Resin
• Hardener
• Glass cloth

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Instructions

1. Clean and rough thoroughly a solid surface.

2. Mix a small amount of hardener to resin.

3. Paint a layer of resin on the cleaned surface.

4. 

   Lay on the glass cloth. If it is a small patch you will probably need to cut it with scissors. For larger areas, using torn glass cloth fragments gives a more baffled edge and blends better with the existing surface.

5. Apply another layer of resin over the glass cloth. Use only enough to coat the cloth as the glue holds the cloth in place.

6. Continue to add layers of cloth and a coating of resin until the desired thickness is reached. Be careful not to leave any air bubbles trapped in a layer by pressing from the center out with the paint brush. If you do choose to work with epoxy, be sure to have adequate ventilation, use gloves and a drop cloth.

7. Let the finished layering sit for about two to four hours or overnight before trying to smooth.

8. 

   Sand using an electric sander until the desired finish has been reached. Any gel coat or surface finish can now be applied.

Tips & Warnings

• You will need to choose epoxy or polyester resin and the thickness of glass cloth, depending on the application.

• Wear a mask and eye protection to keep the fiberglass dust out of your eyes and lungs.