TobiasLager
Recruit
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2017
- Messages
- 1
Hi,
I am about to install new thru-hull fittings. I have chosen Tru-Design composite fittings. Tru-Design recommends installation with West System Epoxy. I browsed the internet for installation tips, started with removing the old ones, and sandpapered down to the GRP hull (removed about 1 cm of gelcoat around the holes). Now I am having some thoughts about the application of epoxy and the installation.
We want to apply a epoxy barrier coat on the GRP around and inside the holes and then install the fittings with epoxy. Preparation has been done with 80-sandpaper and cleaning will be done with acetone.
Is sandpaper 80 enough or should I use something rougher or finer?
How many layers should I apply as a barrier coat? At what interval can I apply the layers? To my knowledge the coating layers should be without filler so the epoxy can penetrate the material as good as possible, is this correct?
Will the epoxy bond sufficient to the gelcoat around the GRP to make the hull ?waterproof?? The gelcoat has been sanded and will be prepared with cleaning as well.
Should I let the barrier coating layers harden before mounting the thru-hulls or can it be done directly to the coating layers before hardening? When mounting the thru-hulls I have previously been recommended to use filler, do you agree?
The boat has not previously been treated with epoxy.
Yours sincerely,
Tobias
I am about to install new thru-hull fittings. I have chosen Tru-Design composite fittings. Tru-Design recommends installation with West System Epoxy. I browsed the internet for installation tips, started with removing the old ones, and sandpapered down to the GRP hull (removed about 1 cm of gelcoat around the holes). Now I am having some thoughts about the application of epoxy and the installation.
We want to apply a epoxy barrier coat on the GRP around and inside the holes and then install the fittings with epoxy. Preparation has been done with 80-sandpaper and cleaning will be done with acetone.
Is sandpaper 80 enough or should I use something rougher or finer?
How many layers should I apply as a barrier coat? At what interval can I apply the layers? To my knowledge the coating layers should be without filler so the epoxy can penetrate the material as good as possible, is this correct?
Will the epoxy bond sufficient to the gelcoat around the GRP to make the hull ?waterproof?? The gelcoat has been sanded and will be prepared with cleaning as well.
Should I let the barrier coating layers harden before mounting the thru-hulls or can it be done directly to the coating layers before hardening? When mounting the thru-hulls I have previously been recommended to use filler, do you agree?
The boat has not previously been treated with epoxy.
Yours sincerely,
Tobias