Reccomendations/ advice how to fill polyester welcome

[Mike k]

hello

I have had a small 'flake' of about 1 inch square of polyester/grp delaminate ( a tiny nick that picked out) from the inside of the hull. When i say flake its very very thin but I dont think a lick of paint would have quite sufficient build depth/thickness and I want a nice smooth finish that I can paint over to match the rest of the space.
I am wanting a material to apply that will adhere well to the polyester/grp that will be smooth on application and that will be paintable- that you can get in a small size to avoid lots of unused material hanging about for years going off.

Any recommendations would be appreciated

regards

Mike

 

[Rigger Mortice]

For a tiny job like that a bit of Araldite, or any other epoxy adhesive, would be fine.
It would need sanding before you paint

 

[vyv_cox]

Or car body filler, which is made for exactly what you want. Very easy to achieve a smooth, level finish. Comes in small amounts.

 

[TQA]

Or car body filler, which is made for exactly what you want. Very easy to achieve a smooth, level finish. Comes in small amounts.

I personally would not use car body filler as the possibility of blistering is higher.

Araldite Marinetex or P 40 would do a more reliable longterm fill IMHO.

 

[VicS]

I personally would not use car body filler as the possibility of blistering is higher.

Araldite Marinetex or P 40 would do a more reliable longterm fill IMHO.

P40 ?

The P40 I have is a car body repair resin containing glass fibres. Intended or bridging holes and id think not suitable for the OP's needs. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_167469_langId_-1_categoryId_165625

However for a thin flake I think I am with Vyv on this. A car body filler such as P38 http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_747813_langId_-1_categoryId_165625


I don't see that blistering will be a problem on the inside of the hull.

 

[Avocet]

I'd be happy to use polyester bodyfiller. Abrade and degrease the sub surface well. I quite like the U-Pol "easy sanding" stuff.

 

[TQA]

Nearly all body fillers use talc or talcum powder makes the mixture flow smoothly when applied to the affected area as well as a cheap filler.

Unfortunately, talc is hygroscopic. Meaning, it attracts and absorbs moisture. This will cause blisters to appear.

In a marine environment even inside the boat humidity is high. Why take the chance. Use the right stuff.

BTW P 40 does not caontain talc and while a right b****** to sand is much less likely to blister. I included it on the list of suitable fillers for this reason also it is readily available.

 

[davidej]

can you still get the gel coat repair kit? It is (was?) made by Plastic Padding and is white and more or less matches most boats.

I still have a half tube - bought years ago - absolutely invaluable to fix minor dings in the gel coat.

 

[Mike k]

Thanks very much all - gone for P38 off fleabay £4.10p

regards

Mike

 

[ripvan1]

tqa - serious question - don't cars get wet ?

 

[lw395]

tqa - serious question - don't cars get wet ?

Yup.
Those filled with filler by amateurs usually rust again!

 

[ripvan1]

Fair enough - is that down to the filler material or the filler person and what happens when filling GRP ?

 

[VicS]

Thanks very much all - gone for P38 off fleabay £4.10p

regards

Mike

For what is worth I'd have used Plastic padding body filler ........B 'cos I have some


To davidej:

Yes you can still get the PP white gelcoat filler

 

[William_H]

Tal;c

For what it is worth I have used a lot of talc as a filler in epoxy resin on the exterior of my boat including the bottom of the keel over the years and no problems that could be attributed to talc filler. olewill

 

[Avocet]

Fibreglass (filled with polyester filler) cars get wet too! Personally, I wouldn't worry on an internal surface. If you're filling it, you'll presumably be painting it anyway!