fiberglass repair

[Randy R.]

Where can I purchase some release agent for a fiberglass mold? I need to repair the lip of the spare tire tub cover for a 67 and want to fabricate a mold to match the lip.

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: fiberglass repair

Check with your local boat repair shop. Ask them about making molds too, they have some good techniques.

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: fiberglass repair

Check the phone book for a TAP plastics near you too.

[Christopher R.]

Re: fiberglass repair

Is there a marine supply house in your area? A BOAT US? Or a West Marine? Boat places usually carry lots of fiberglass stuff.

[Dennis Fincham]

Re: fiberglass repair

I've used jamestown dist. when i worked on my chevy coupe...

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/

[mike cobine]

Re: fiberglass repair

Your profile doesn't say where you are, but if you are close to any large boating operations, odds are there is a marine supply store. These frequently carry large supplies of fiberglass, different types of resin, mold release materials, and so on.

The mold release agent I bought years ago to make flares was essentially silicone wax. And I have also just used plain paste wax. The secret is the surface of the object much be smooth. The rougher it is, the more likely the resin to attach even with release agent.

[Randy R.]

Re: fiberglass repair

Thank you all for the response. One of my concerns was that whatever was used so the fiberglass wouldn't stick would cause problems later on with paint adhesion. I think I will try the wax idea.

[mike cobine]

Re: fiberglass repair

If you use the silicone wax, you will definitely need fisheye eliminator in your paint. Nothing I used could get the originals clean enough to paint without fisheye.

[Randy R.]

Re: fiberglass repair

I try not to use anything with silicone in it because of past adventures with fish eye.

[Terry F.]

Re: fiberglass repair

Use cellophane wrap whenever clamping or molding fiberglass. It will work just fine. Either take it off early or let it dry real good before pulling it off. Don't use wax or silicone.

If the lip of the tire tub is similar to the area near buy it, I would make a mold of that area and then use it to form the lip in the damaged area. I do that all the time.

I use original formula and reinforce it with random stranded matting. Wear vinyl gloves and force it in with your hands. If any of the original structure is still useable, I try to incorporate it into the repair. Rough the edges of the repair with 50 grit and bevel it fairly well. Mask the area right up to the grind or sand lines so that the repair area stays in the repair area. Make sure everything is super clean (wash with lacqure thinner).

Hope this helps, Terry