What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

[Mark42]

Got to order some filler to mix with epoxy to make fairing compound. I want it to be really easy to sand. I'm leaning towards the glass micro baloons just based on what I have read. But if you know of something else that makes a lightweight easy sanding filler/fairing please let me know! I'm hopeing to get something that sands as easy as lightweight Bondo.

Maybe I should try mixing it in the Kitchen Aid mixer to whip some air into it! LOL!

Thanks

 

[BillP]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

Micro baloons.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

Yep, either phenolic or glass microbubbles are best for this.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

Got to order some filler to mix with epoxy to make fairing compound. I want it to be really easy to sand. I'm leaning towards the glass micro baloons just based on what I have read. But if you know of something else that makes a lightweight easy sanding filler/fairing please let me know! I'm hopeing to get something that sands as easy as lightweight Bondo.

Maybe I should try mixing it in the Kitchen Aid mixer to whip some air into it! LOL!

Thanks

Oh that will go over big!!! LOL

+1 on the micro baloons

 

[bruceb58]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

Take a look at what they have here:

http://westsystem.com/

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

Following a few people's recommendations, I used talcum powder (baby powder) when I had to build up a rib on my jetski hull. Harder than Bondo. My belt sander w/ 50 grit took care of it in short order though, and I'm happy w/ the results.

Plus, the garage smelled quite fresh afterward.

 

[TK]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

You might want to look at Systems 3 Quick Fair. Sands great.

 

[Mark42]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

I already have enough epoxy, so I'd rather not buy a new filler/fairing product. I would rather buy the filler and mix it.

joeyplumley wrote: Following a few people's recommendations, I used talcum powder (baby powder) when I had to build up a rib on my jetski hull. Harder than Bondo. My belt sander w/ 50 grit took care of it in short order though, and I'm happy w/ the results.

Plus, the garage smelled quite fresh afterward.

Good one! I have used talc in polyester, and it makes it much less brittle. But it is still hard.

 

[gcboat]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

Not so much the company but the product:http://www.eagerplastics.com/cab.htm

 

[oops!]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

hey 42....

i looked around forever for an epoxy fairing compound......

there is no such thing as an EASY sanding epoxy based filler.

the words easysanding and epoxy dont go well togeather.....but micro ballons are gonna be as good as it gets.

btw....the mixer is a must...! ...it mixes better than anything i have seen......just make sure you clean it well or its a one use tool .

cheers
oops

 

[stevewolverton]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

Glass bubbles is what I use in epoxy. Very easy to sand.

 

[jonesg]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

Glass bubbles is what I use in epoxy. Very easy to sand.

Depends,
not in an inside curve , anything is easy with a power tool but some applications aren't accessible to the sander.
In those situations, get it right the first time, use a wet squeegee to smoothen the epoxy or the back of a wet spoon.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

When you buy a fairing filler (micro balloons or other), also get a small amount of silica. You can control how "thick" the mix is by adding silica. Use something like 3 parts <fairing filler of choice> and then 1 part silica (but adjust this amount as desired).

West system fillers are often available at west marine, boaters world or other local marine supply stores.

For reference, West 407 is a micro balloons filler and 406 is silica for thickening.

http://www.westsystem.com/webpages/productinfo/guide/index.htm#fillers

 

[BillP]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

Mark42, If you haven't thickened much resin be aware it takes a lot more filler than it seems at first glance. 2 times the volume is usually the minimum I see and even a buttery consistancy can turn into a runny one while waiting to kick. Sloping surfaces can be a hassle because the resin drains away from the filler. Balloons actually "float" away from the resin and plain silica filler kinda sorta keeps them from doing that. Silica filler is also heavier and harder to sand than balloons.

bp

 

[boatboy999]

Re: What epoxy filler makes easy sanding fairing compound?

West Marine have had the micro balloons on offer for ages, must be getting rid of stock, 10lb box, $43... enough for a lifetime!!!. it's great for filling and making the resin go further for fairing and trimming... but it doesn't thicken the resin, the silica (fumed silica) thickens it up a treat. The previous post covering this this was spot on