How to Repair a Hole in a Fiberglass Trailer Panel
Trailers are commonly constructed from fiberglass because it's lightweight and very durable. Fiberglass also is a non-corrosive material, which means it will not rust like metal. Although fiberglass is a strong material, as with anything else, it can get damaged. Fiberglass is an easy material to repair, and if done right the repair will be as strong as or stronger than the original fiberglass. Fiberglass repair materials can be found at your local marine supply store. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Respirator
- Dye grinder
- Rags
- Acetone
- 1.5 ounce fiberglass mat
- Razor knife
- Mylar
- Plywood
- Duct tape
- Fiberglass resin
- Catalyst
- Small bucket
- Stir stick
- Felt roller
- Air roller
Instructions
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1
Put on a respirator and grind all the rough and damaged fiberglass smooth using a dye grinder. After the fiberglass is smooth, grind the edge of the hole into a gradually tapered slope. The more surface area the repair has to bond to the stronger the bond will be.
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2
Clean the grinded area with a rag and acetone.
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3
Cut the first layer of fiberglass mat so it's the same size as the hole, using a razor knife. Cut five more layers of mat, with each successive layer ¼ inch bigger than the last.
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4
Cover the back of the hole tightly with mylar and secure it in place with duct tape. Cover the mylar with a piece of plywood for support.
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5
Mix the fiberglass resin with the catalyst, using a small bucket and stir stick. Follow the recommendations on the container for the correct amount of catalyst.
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6
Wet the surface of the repair with the fiberglass resin mixture using a felt roller. Apply the smallest layer of mat directly in the center of the hole. Saturate the mat with the resin mixture. Remove any air bubbles underneath the mat with an air roller. Apply the remaining layers from smallest to largest following the same process for each layer. Let the fiberglass harden for at least 45 minutes, or until it's completely hard and cool to the touch.
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7
Remove the plywood and mylar from the inside of the repair. Grind the fiberglass smooth and flat using the dye grinder. Wipe clean with a rag and acetone.
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8
Apply three layers of mat to the back side of the repair, following the same process in Step 5. Let the fiberglass harden.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear a respirator when working with fiberglass.
