Filling compound for small holes.

Boomyal

Supreme Mariner
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Aug 16, 2003
Messages
12,072
I've long been dissapointed in compounds for filling small holes or other depressions. It is very difficult to measure out accurate tiny doses of various resins. MarineTex is also impossible to measure out their 5 to 1 mixture and when you do it is way too sloppy to make good use of.

Today I got the idea of using JB weld. It is easy to measure out very small, equal doses of the two elements. I then mixed the tiny dose with equal parts of cabosil and micro bubbles to a peanut butter consistancy. I used it to fill the small depressions that I wanted to fill.

It cured, then sanded off with perfection. I suppose this would not be viable if you were going to gel coat on top of it but otherwise it made a perfect putty for very small batches
 

drewpster

Commander
Joined
Oct 17, 2006
Messages
2,059
Re: Filling compound for small holes.

Boom, Would regular auto body galzing compound work? I have been using Formula 27. It is a two part poly base product. It goes on smooth with a plastic speader and sands easy. Works well to cover small defects and feather edges really thin.
 

bruceb58

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Mar 5, 2006
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30,548
Re: Filling compound for small holes.

I use West Systems epoxy and use different fillers depending on what sanding I need to do.
 

Boomyal

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Aug 16, 2003
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12,072
Re: Filling compound for small holes.

bruceb58 said:
I use West Systems epoxy and use different fillers depending on what sanding I need to do.

That's what I have usually done bruce, but there is just no way to measure out a small enough dose. I always end up wasting a lot. I have a tiny little baby spoon that by the time you measure out one spoon of catalyst and three spoons of resin, mix with filler, I often waste more than I've used. Plus even trying to pour out of a gallon jug into that tiny little spoon is a pain.

Drewpst, I'll look into that formula 27. I like the sound of the two part compound. I have some one part 3M glazing compound but have hesitated to use it. I didn't think it to be water resistant enough.
 

bruceb58

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Mar 5, 2006
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30,548
Re: Filling compound for small holes.

I use graduated mixing cups. It is true I tend to mix more than I need because I feel that I have to to make sure I get the ratio more correct but I feel it is worth it.
 

Zetman

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 24, 2005
Messages
165
Re: Filling compound for small holes.

. Plus even trying to pour out of a gallon jug into that tiny little spoon is a pain.

Isn't there some kind of like turkey baster you can use instead of pouring fron a gallon bottle? Just a thought
 

iwombat

Captain
Joined
Jul 12, 2006
Messages
3,767
Re: Filling compound for small holes.

I use medicine syringes for that kind of stuff. The kind you get to give your kids that oh-so-tasty elixir from the pharmacy. It has nice little markings on it for measuring. You can mix it in the syringe with a small straw or split popsicle stick. You can then use the built-in efficient syringe-like kung fu action to inject the epoxy exactly where you need it.

Doesn't work real well for really thick mixtures, but it still gets the job done.

It's the kung fu action that makes it all worthwhile.
 

Tail_Gunner

Admiral
Joined
Jan 13, 2006
Messages
6,237
Re: Filling compound for small holes.

8) Go pony up for some Interlux fairing compound, it's only 15.00 and in the end it will not cause and blushing.
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Filling compound for small holes.

welp..for holes that range from small 1/8 in to 1/4 in ( or any hole for that matter ) you will need to campher the edge with a die grinder,dreamel or razor blade. you should not just pack a drill hole without doing that.

I use a poly resin and cabosil mix . thicken as desired then get some FG mat and scissors and cut some little bits of glass into that mix.. making Tiger Hair. catalize as needed. this will hold better and be less prone to shrinkage.

Formula 27 is BONDO. marine grade yes..but still bondo and should only be used to glaze pinholes. you would be better off getting duraglass than that stuff..IMO.
 
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