filling and fairing process

[Bruce]

Hello Mr. Niederer: I have an area of 13" by 7" located on the waterline near the bow of my sailboat that needs filling and fairing. The area was previously sanded just past the gelcoat so the depth is maybe 1/16 to 1/8. Should I begin filling with a piece of fiberglass cloth and then finish it out West System 410 filler or could I just use the filler by itself? Thank you, Bruce

 

[Bruce Niederer]

fairing the bow of a Cape Dory 26

The repair doesn't require any glass unless the sanding removed some, which is not likely at the depth's you mentioned. Fix the mixed epoxy to non-sag consistency with the 410, fill the area and let it cure, then sand fair. Once it's sanded fair, apply another coat or two of unfilled (neat) epoxy over the 410 to fill the porosity of the sanded surface and to provide some added moisture protection. Once it's cured, wet sand with an abrasive pad or 300 - 400 grit paper to prep for painting.

 

[Garry @ S/V TASHTEGO]

Epoxy on keel

I have an epoxy fairing coat on my keel which has separated from the lead underneath in places. I will grind it off (it has no glass in it) and re-do it as per your advice above but I'd like to know how to assure that the epoxy will adhere to the lead. Your suggestions?

 

[Bruce Niederer]

Epoxy bond to lead

Epoxy bonds very well to lead. First, grind, sand or wire brush the lead to expose fresh shiny metal, then apply a coat of epoxy and use a wire brush to work the freshly applied epoxy into the lead a bit. It will turn grey as some of the lead is suspended in the coating - this won't hurt a thing. Allow this first coat to become soft and tacky then apply a second coat. You can apply as many coats as you'd like after that - just wait until the previous coat gels and becomes tacky.