Fairing Compound

[rich markParticipant @richmark80392]

Hi,

Just started to build a model sailing boat from scratch and have go to the point where it needs fairing. The instructions tell me to use a fairing compound to cover the fibreglass sheet, but just wondered what everyone uses as I don't want to spend a fortune on something that won't be used very much (yet). Has anyone any suggestions on an alternative or something I could pick up in Halfords, B&Q etc..

thanks in advance

Rich

[rich markParticipant @richmark80392]

Fairing Compound?

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Rich. Not heard of the term "fairing compound" in conjunction with fibreglass sheet. I presume you mean woven fibreglass cloth? Ordinary Davids Fastglass resin is the usual stuff to use with fibreglass and then possibly a thin skim of P38 filler to smooth things out. ??

Ashley

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Rich

More info ,.. if its to fair in skeg , use p38 if coating F/G use tile and grout …..

what is the build are you starting..?……..cheers Larry………….

Edited By LARRY WHETTONboatman77 on 23/12/2013 17:03:55

[rich markParticipant @richmark80392]

P38 sounds like the solution – Thanks very much.

I'm building the yacht from the book "Build Your Own Radio Controlled Yacht: The Complete Step-by-step Modelling Guide by Bryn Heveldt". It has a balsa frame covered in fibreglass cloth so just needs something to smooth it all out.

Cheers

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

You can buy an additive to mix with epoxy resin that will make a fairing compound- Google West Systems Epoxy and you'll probably find it. I used to buy mine in a yacht chandlers. Incidentally, the esiest sanding epoxy I have found is ZPoxy.

Ian Gardner

[Mike Waterhouse 1Participant @mikewaterhouse1]

Hi Rich

I built the same yacht as you're building now. After you put the firbe glass matting on the hull, ( the very fine stuff from Halfords) mix some more resin and put loads of Baby Powder in it to make a semi runny then pour the whole lot over the hull, it shoulf be upside down still on the building board as suggested in the book, after it's gone off you'll find it easy ti sand to a smooth finish, and little imperfections can be filled with P 38.

I spray all my boats with yellow spray putty and sand sand again then a mist of black , the idea is that when all the black has gone it's smooth and ready for primer.

Don't use too coarser grade of paper on the fibre glass 250 grade should do, and progress to smoother grades as the job requires.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Mike

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