Second layer of fiberglass question

Building a Chester Yawl. There are a few places on the hull where the manual calls for a second layer of fiberglass.

Since I have never had to double up before, not sure the best way to do it.

Is it okay to do the first glassing, let it cure and then do the second layer. Or is it better to lay the second layer over the first while it is still wet?

Manual is not clear at all on this.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

RichMPL


3 replies:

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RE: Second layer of fiberglass question

Wet on wet is definitely better, but for the boat designs on this site wet on dry is good enough, so whichever way you feel more comfortable is fine.Either way, the important thing is to have only enough epoxy to wet out the bottom layer.

If you're doing wet on dry, the bottom layer should have its weave fully visible, with no smooth spots. One way to do this is to blot the extra epoxy. That is, put down the bottom layer as normal, then as soon as it's completely wet out, cover it with a layer of paper towels. As soon as the paper towels have stopped soaking up resin, peel them off. Tip the surface with a dry foam brush to get rid of any air bubbles. When the bottom layer is no longer tacky, put down the next layer. You can wait longer if you have to. The exact time depends on the brand of epoxy, but it ranges from 1 to 3 days. Check the manufacturer's recommendations.

For wet on wet, you don't need to blot the bottom layer. The second layer of glass will do that for you.

Have fun,

Laszlo

 

RE: Second layer of fiberglass question

Applying epoxy to both the first and second layer of fiberglass provides a better chemical.   This is important in high tension areas.

However, when applying epoxy to mulitiple layers you will need more epoxy per square work area and it takes a few seconds more to wet out clear.  So if you are pushing the epoxy around on the fiberglass just move squeege or brush and give a few seconds to start  wet out clearing process.

RE: Second layer of fiberglass question

Thanks gentlemen.  I'm good to go!

RichMPL

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