DIY Fiberglass Repair
Several objects contain fiberglass exteriors. When they are damaged, cracked or scratched a simple repair returns them to like-new condition. Applying a simple patch of fiberglass cloth and resin repairs almost any type of fiberglass. An amateur can complete the project and few special tools are needed. The repair materials are sold in kits or separately at hardware stores.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Sand paper
- Rotary tool or grinder
- Fiberglass fleece
- Resin
- Hardener
- Paint brush
- Mixing material
- Sandpaper, 200 grit
- Primer
- Paint
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut away excess fiberglass splinters and chaff from cracked surfaces and bevel the edges of the cracks or holes with a rotary tool before making any repairs
-
2
Sand the exterior around the crack to a rough finish with 80-grit sandpaper. Wipe down the area with a towel and clean thoroughly with a cleaning solvent. Allow the surface to dry completely.
-
-
3
Add resin and hardener to a mixing container and mix thoroughly. Use the proper mixing ratios as indicated by the label on the hardener. Bear in mind that resins harden slower in environments below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
4
Cut the fiberglass fleece to size with scissors. It must fit over the hole with about an inch of overlap. Dredge the fiberglass cloth strip in the resin until completely covered.
-
5
Apply the strip over the crack or hole. Allow the resin to dry and cure. This could take anywhere from two to 12 hours.
-
6
Sand the surface of the patch with 200-grit sandpaper. Wipe away the excess with a towel. Then apply fiberglass primer over the surface of the patch. After this dries (see product label for drying times), apply a matching coat of fiberglass paint to the exterior.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use multiple layers of fiberglass cloth to patch larger holes. Patch holes from the back of the damaged surface to reduce the need for cosmetic touch ups afterward.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit repair image by Gonçalo Carreira from Fotolia.com
