Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Water Models / March 2005

I have just finished the same process on the same hull. If you get
bubbles,ripples, sand till level, using 220 or even 180 wet sanded.  If
you go thru the mat, or cloth, pat in more and resand.  I used a kit
from an auto supply store, and it worked fine.  I used Bondo body
filler to smooth to near final finish, and a Bondo tube of red scratch
filler for final smoothness.  Then, sandable spray primer, and many
coats to make it perfect. (I sanded most of it off.) I needed to have
sandpaper up to 1500 to make it perfect.  I started with a lumpy hull
made 50 years ago, and it is near perfect.  I also used an airbrush and
gloss latex house paint well thinned for the top coat.  A lot of work,
but glorious results....good luck!!  Keep us informed.
M R Boats

Thanks for the info.Sanded out the hull.  Put new mat in the bad areas.  Put
on three more coats of resin. (Warmed bottles in hot water to thin)  That
was a good trick.  Came out super smooth.  Sanded again. Covered whole hull
in Bondo.  Sanded most of that off til smooth.  (Got that from the
motorcycle shows on TV) Only needed 2 coats of primer sanded for the paint.
Came out super smooth.  Just waiting a couple of days til I shoot on the
clear.  Great thing about a hull this size is the ability to use power tools
on it!  Got a variable speed orbital sander that really did the trick.
Fiberglassed the deck too. Put on thin black striping tape first to simulate
the caulking between boards. Surprised me on how great that looks! Now on to
the cabin area.

Woven roving fiber are difficult to make smooth surface.  Because the
fibers are long, will cause grove/ripples anywhere.  Chopped strand mat
fiber are easy to make smooth finish.  Yet, small bubbles are
inevitable.  Chopped strand mat are difficult to make sharp corner.

Epoxy is expensive.  For fiberglass, no need to use epoxy, not much
could be gained.  Polyester resin highely recommanded.

I have fiberglassed for years and if you want some really good hint
please write me and will be glad to share I did repair for the rea
thing as well my friends like my repairs that are  not noticable t
the

--
dancnfo