Fairing compound, What to use?

[triton 496]

Hello All,
Well I am at the point where I am ready to laminate the biaxel cloth to the new record decks and so far I have used 4 gallons of West Systems epoxy and will need to order more. Should I get another 4 gallon Jug? Also when it comes time to fairing the decks is there another product or products I could use instead of West System 407 fairing filler? There is an outlet called L.B.I. in Groton CT. they seem to have everything you need for building and repair work and their pricing is really good compared to other outlets. They have fillers like cabosil and 3M K1 glass microspheres, is it possible to mix the two to create a comparable material such as West System 407 fairing compound? Some good advice would be appreciated, Thanks Al.

[Ceasar Choppy]

Any epoxy should work OK. But be carefull not to mix polyester/vinylester compounds with what you've already done in epoxy... the epoxy will stick to the x-esters, but not the otherway around.

[David]

You can use just about anything to thincken and strengthen epoxy. I've even used sand. I stick with the West fillers, but any fillers will do and you can mix and match. You might visit these folks:

http://www.epoxyproducts.com/

They offer a wide selection of epoxies and fillers.

Good luck,

David

[Tim]

Hello All,
Well I am at the point where I am ready to laminate the biaxel cloth to the new record decks and so far I have used 4 gallons of West Systems epoxy and will need to order more. Should I get another 4 gallon Jug? Also when it comes time to fairing the decks is there another product or products I could use instead of West System 407 fairing filler? There is an outlet called L.B.I. in Groton CT. they seem to have everything you need for building and repair work and their pricing is really good compared to other outlets. They have fillers like cabosil and 3M K1 glass microspheres, is it possible to mix the two to create a comparable material such as West System 407 fairing compound? Some good advice would be appreciated, Thanks Al.

Get the big jug. You'll use it.

While I use West System epoxy exclusively, I buy all my epoxy fillers from other sources because of better package size and better pricing. The sources vary depending on time and circumstance, but the point is that you don't need to use the West brand fillers if something else is more convenient or more economical. With West fillers, you're assured of quality, but there are plenty of other good sources for these basic fillers. When trying a new source, always try a smaller package first to be sure you like the product.

Microspheres are not the same thing as microballons. I only use phenolic microballons (purple) for bulk fairing; these are equivalent to West System #407. Microspheres are a different material and are white in color. I tried one brand a few years ago and ended up returning and/or discarding the product, as it was extremely poor. Stick with what you know and like.

[Hirilondë]

At the boatyard we buy most of our fiberglass materials from LBI, cloths, vinylester, etc.. We use mostly West fillers, but buy Cabosil (colloidal silica aka 406) from LBI in 10lb bags. We even have a friendship sloop with us designed and built by LBI.

The key to fairing is creating the right consistency and characteristics for the job. Hardness, sandability, resilience, etc.. This can only be done by learning the characteristics of and trying different fillers in combination to get the results you need.

[triton 496]

Thanks to all for the good advice, sure beats fumbling around in the dark wondering if I am doing the job right! All The Best Al.

[Quetzalsailor]

I use the West System as well.

Pay attention to which of their fillers is a thermoplastic; the instructions will tell you. (I don't remember which it is.) It creeps under heat; fine for the bottom or interior, bad for dark hulls and for decks.

Adding to other's list of ersatz fillers, I've used Mahogany sanding dust, both for color matching in wood and for nailable compliance.