Resin/Fibreglass needed?

[Edwardo]

I need to fix a wooden batton directly to the fibreglass in the cabin. Being a novice at this do I need to use glass fibre or can I simply fix/adhere with resin. The batton will not be taking much weight at all.

Thanks in advance

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[snowleopard]

polyester resin does not adhere well to wood as it isn't a glue. your best bet is to use epoxy. most chandlers sell either SP or Epiglass in small quantities. if there is a gap of more than about 0.5 mm you will need to thicken the resin to a paste with microfibres (also available in small tubs from chandlers). make sure the fibreglass is well abraded as it has a thin layer of wax in its virgin state. the wood must be grease-free, if in doubt, wipe with acetone (not white spirit or alcohol).

use tape or wedges to hold in place until the resin hardens (1/2 hr to 24 hrs depending on temp.)



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[Seal_surfer]

You may be able to use a Sikaflex sealant/adhesive on suitably prepared GRP if its not too highly loaded and there's a good contact area. I was initially surprised to see it used for non critical fastening during construction of the 72' steel Global Challenge yachts, but it stuck like hell!

As a cheaper alternative, I've had reasonable results with Evostick's "Seal & Stick" (a flexible "no nails" tupe product) from DIY stores.

Masking tape & some temporary wood props will hold it until cured.

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[Avocet]

Sikaflex (or any "high modulus" polyurethane) will do a very good job IF the fibreglass is clean, dry and wax-free. It is an extremely good adhesive for GRP-wood and fills gaps very well.

There was also some stuff called "Freefix" which is a purple paste that turns green when it has been catalysed. It sets much harder than Sikaflex but I've never seen it sold retail.

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[jeanne]

If the amount of adhesive you need is not large, the most convenient form of epoxy is Plastic Padding Marine filler. This is a two part paste, already filled to the point where it will not 'slump' under its own weight, and is easily made in small quantities, by squeezing equal amounts from two 'toothpaste' tubes.It is a GOOD adhesive, goes of in three or for hours, passes through a stage where it can be trimmed with a knife or chisel, and ends hard and easily sanded. It is available in my local chandlery at about £9 . Be careful that it is the epoxy though, they make a very similar looking product which is polyester resin, but this is not labelled 'marine'

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[tcm]

not sure if a definitive answer can be given yet - where in the cabin? and is the wood to be pulled or pushed? Lots of fastening options. But resin on its own is no good - it's not glue.

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[Edwardo]

Its purpose is to re-attach interior wall coverings onto a single skin hull. The latter are falling off because the foam layer is breaking up due to age.

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[VicS]

No doubt there will be howls of protest but I have used Plastic Padding (hard) and Isopon car body fillers for this.
In warm weather you can hold it in place while it sets, in cold weather warm everything up with a hair dryer or a hot air gun on its lowest setting first. Sand the wood across the gain with coarse sand paper to provide a good key, clean and abrade the grp. Recently I have used Isopon repair paste which is resin mixed with glass fibres. This may be better if the grp surface is very uneven. I have found that done carefully the bond is stronger than the wood.
If you want to be absolutely sure of its security and its not some where highly visible then cover over with a layer of glass mat and resin

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