How to Fix Fiberglass

Many items both inside and outside of the home are made of fiberglass. Bathtubs, garage doors and boats are three of the more common items found in people's homes or yards. Unfortunately, these items occasionally require repair. Fixing fiberglass is a do-it-yourself project that requires some special items and a few precautions. Since chemicals are involved in the process, a few safety items and a well-ventilated area are imperative.

Things You'll Need

• Latex gloves
• Face mask
• Safety glasses
• Epoxy
• Hardening agent
• Plastic container for mixing
• Wooden paint stirrer
• Fiberglass filler
• Masking or painter's tape
• Fine gauge sandpaper
• Rags
• Putty knife

Instructions

1. Remove any fiberglass that is hanging on or near the area requiring repair. Use masking or painter's tape to tape around the area you'll be fixing, as you don't want the chemicals coming into contact with any more of the fiberglass than necessary.

2. Mix the epoxy and hardener. Most people use a 10:1 ratio for this mixture, but check manufacturer's directions as they may vary by product. Mix in a plastic container with a wooden paint stirrer.

3. Add fiberglass filler to the epoxy and hardener until the consistency become like that of peanut butter. Continue stirring until smooth.

4. Use a putty knife to apply the epoxy mixture to the area on the fiberglass that you need to fix. Smooth it as best you can with the putty knife and allow it to cure for several hours. This chemical process will cause the epoxy mixture to get hot, so be careful not to touch it.

5. Remove the tape and sand the fixed area with fine gauge sand paper until smooth.

Resources

• Boat US website for more fiberglass tips