How to Fiberglass a Canoe
You canoe is an investment in fun and freedom. Proper maintenance ensures you will receive the most return for your money. Plan to apply a new fiberglass gel coating at least once a season and as needed for repairs. Allow plenty of time to do the job right and your canoe can look as good as new.
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Things You'll Need
- Saw horses
- Rubber gloves
- Acetone
- Water
- Power sander
- Blow dryer or air compressor
- Paint brushes
- Fiberglass cloth
- Scissors
- Catalyst (or hardener)
- Dish soap
- Soft cloth
Instructions
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Preparation
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1
Turn canoe upside down on sawhorses.
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2
Use dish soap, water and a soft cloth to thoroughly wash hull.
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3
Apply acetone to remove tough build-up.
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4
Rinse thoroughly.
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5
Let dry or blow dry.
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6
Sand surface smooth.
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7
Use compressed air to remove all traces of sanding.
Repair and Maintenance
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8
Cut two fiberglass patches approximately the size of the damaged area for each area that needs repair.
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9
Mix hardener with gel coating and brush on a coat to the damaged area, then place cloth. Coat again over the cloth. Repeat to interior if the damage can be seen from the inside. Add another cloth if damage is still apparent.
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10
Allow the chemicals to thoroughly dry or blow dry.
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11
Brush surface with a thin fiberglass gel coating. Repeat.
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12
Dry thoroughly.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Work in an area that is ventilated or outside.
Allow for plenty of space to maneuver around the canoe.
If the damage is significant, you may want to add a thicker coat of the hardener mixture between the layers of cloth.
Allow plenty of time to dry between processes for the best results.
Failure to rinse all the acetone from the surface may result in the resin not adhering to the surface and lead to the resin breaking down quickly.
The chemicals used have a strong odor and can lead to dizziness and fainting. Vent well and use a fan to blow fumes away from work area.
References
- Photo Credit canoe"s image by Lee O"Dell from Fotolia.com
