how do you make the surface of Fiberglass smooth

[nastyquedawg]

This might sound like a dumb question but, I am in process of fiberglassing in my transom but I do not know how to make the final layer of glass smooth to recieve paint other than sanding. Is there another process used to create a smooth finish to recieve paint.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: how do you make the surface of Fiberglass smooth

I'm learning to fiberglass for the first time, so I'm far from an expert. But from what I read, and from experience, it seems laying down cloth called a veil (spelling?) at the end seems to give smooth results.. If you are looking for a perfect glass smooth finish, I would think some body filler and lot's of hours sanding will be involved. Many incredible folks here will correct me if I'm off a tad...

 

[alumi numb]

Re: how do you make the surface of Fiberglass smooth

sorry for butting in, but just wanted to know.
some years ago i used a material called c glass to lay up the floor pan of a 914 porsche.
i was installing a 914gt kit.
the shop told me it was used for boat transoms because it's very strong and has a high chemical resistance.
can anyone elaborate on this?

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: how do you make the surface of Fiberglass smooth

I do not know how to make the final layer of glass smooth to recieve paint other than sanding. Is there another process used to create a smooth finish to recieve paint.

No other way without a molding process (like the way boats are made) or vacuum bagging.

Sand, sand and sand some more. If you sand into the glass, over sand, add more resin and sand a little less.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: how do you make the surface of Fiberglass smooth

No other way without a molding process (like the way boats are made) or vacuum bagging.

Sand, sand and sand some more. If you sand into the glass, over sand, add more resin and sand a little less.

Yep! No shortcuts here.

 

[redfury]

Re: how do you make the surface of Fiberglass smooth

Look for the hull extension thread, it goes over smoothing out the fiberglass for paint quite intensively. You'll find all your answers there.

 

[legoman67]

Re: how do you make the surface of Fiberglass smooth

You could gellcoat it.