fiberglass trouble...

swspiffy

Jr Hunter
hey guys, I was applying a fiberglass coat to the inside of my bucket.... apparently I didn't put enough hardener in the mix because even after overnight, its still a bit sticky. I had applied to one part before (for repair) and it came out fine. But in reinforcing the rest of it... it still is sticky. Can I just take some liquid hardener and brush it on? Or do I need to start over? And if so, how do I do that... Or should I apply a new layer of resin/hardener mix?

Thanks for any help you can provide
Brett
 
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hmmm... well, I don't have a heat gun... but I could use other heat sources... and I'll be careful... seems like heating is the best method. (did some google searches on it too)
 
If you are thinking of the Oven, dont! as you dont have as much control over your helmet as you would with a heat gun. They cost 15 bucks at home depot, and they get reall hot.
 
I agree with the heat gun. But still be careful with it. If it has 2 settings I would start with the lower one. It's best not to rush it. Take your time and it should turn our fine. Let us know how it works out for you.
 
I assume your reinforcing a vinyl Don Post or I'd try setting it out in direct sunlight for about 20 minutes first while keeping an eye on it.

If you're in a bind you can do another coat of resin/catalyst only. I've had to do this on a couple of my hockey masks before and it worked. Brush it on, but don't let it pool.
 
I assume your reinforcing a vinyl Don Post or I'd try setting it out in direct sunlight for about 20 minutes first while keeping an eye on it.

If you're in a bind you can do another coat of resin/catalyst only. I've had to do this on a couple of my hockey masks before and it worked. Brush it on, but don't let it pool.

its actually made I think... I bought it second hand, but I don't think its a don post... but if the heat doesn't work I'll apply a second coat
 
Sunlight will kick it just fine. In time, uncatalized resin will harden. Give it some time.

I don't know about Bondo brand resin, but polyester resin will remain tacky on the surface unless wax is added to the resin. The reason is that in the event that you do multiple laminations, each layer adheres to the previous one. If you add the wax to the final layer, it rises to the top and forms a barrier to air, and the resin dries untacky.

It could be just the surface layer.
 
what was the temperature where you let it cure. that may have had an affect on your cure time. last october I glass reinforced my helmet in my girlfriends garage, but there was no heat in there so it sat not curing for about three hours. we had to leave for my place (about an hour and a half drive away), so I put it in my car on the floor right under where the heater was blowing on the passenger side. by the time I got home it had set up harder than chinese algebra.

*edit* I was using the bondo fiberglass repair kit as well.
 
The Bondo brand resin is already waxed. I'd say do another light resin layer. I believe the mix ratio is 12 drops (or 1CC) to 1 ounce of resin.

-Ryan
 
If you don't want or have the money for a heat gun, a low wattage light bulb in a lamp might work. No matter what you decide, be careful.
 
hey guys, well I stuck it near a lightbulb and it still didn't make much progress after a couple hours.. so I tried the extra layer of mix method and VOILA! It worked! I've sanded it down and its ready to go! Thanks for all the help everyone!
 
Nub question, After you guys fiberglass the inside of the helmet do you then cover the fiberglass with something? I would think there would be some health risks having fiberglass an inch or less from your face.
 
Not as long as it's cured. Be more concerned about getting it as smooth as you can because FG burrs can be sharp. I've seen many helmets sloppily made that I wouldn't want to wear.

It can smell for a while, though.
 
Good deal, was talking to a friend today about this very subject. He, being a health nut, brought that to my attention. Thanks.
 
Place it in the sun light for a few days and the fumes will go away

Use 80 grit sand paper to knock down any rough edges and sand with some 200 grit
 
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