Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Repairing fibreglass

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic18071.aspx

By raz2508 - 6/10/2015 4:29:16 PM

Hi

Within my company we use split fibreglass moulds to create plaster of paris core parts. Now these fibreglass moulds have become damaged along their joints and finishing the plaster has become a time consuming chore. The damaged areas can be around 3-4mm deep and a few inches long. I'd like to ask if Easycomposities can recommend a product that we could use to repair the damaged edges. 
I have tried to use Fast Cast resin but the moulds are not flat so I'd have to repair only small sections each time. We have the original wooden patterns (both inside and out) that can be used as a template to repair to. 
Ideally I'd like top place the wooden template inside the fibregalss mould and fill the damaged areas with a putty. Once it's hardened I could then remove the wooden template and dress the repair with abrasives.

I hope this all makes since. If not I will glad to try and clarify details.
By Warren (Staff) - 6/12/2015 2:29:42 PM

I would second what FK says and that a professional repair is the best route, repairing the fibreglass itself, then finishing with, if possible, the original gelcoat that was used.  If it is a polyester gelcoat then an additive such as Solution MW Wax Gelcoat Additive will help to stop the gelcoat curing tacky making it easier to sand flat and match with the rest of the mould when you finish it.