How to Repair Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a strong material and hence it is widely used to make a number of items like bathtubs, boats and garage doors. They also find application in fiberglass swimming pools and corrugated fiberglass roofing. However, as with any material, fiberglass also tends to crack or develop holes. This is a very common problem in most households. In most cases, individuals seek to replace these goods if that is easily possible, as they don't know fiberglass repair techniques. However, in most cases, making a replacement or calling in a professional to repair the damage may be quite expensive. Once you know how to repair fiberglass, with a proper fiberglass repair kit, you could mend slightly damaged fiberglass items at home.

How to Make Fiberglass Repairs

1. The first step of fiberglass repair technique is to identify the damaged area. Take a coin or use the back of a plastic screwdriver to tap around the damaged area. This will help you to determine the area that needs to be repaired. Damaged fiberglass makes a dull sound whereas intact areas will make a crisp sound.
2. Before starting with any repair work, cut away the damaged area and ensure that any loose material surrounding the damaged area is removed. This step is important as the damaged area can't be repaired unless it is cleared of any loose material. Tapping the area will usually release any loose material still stuck around the damaged part. One could also use a paintbrush or also adhesive tape to pull out any loose parts.
3. Next remove any excess moisture or oil that may stick to the surface area around the damaged part, otherwise the oil or moisture will weaken the area once it has been repaired. Acetone is a very good material for this purpose.
4. Start the repair work from the inner surface so that the outer surface has a seamless appearance. After the damaged area has been cut away, use a grinder to taper the hole. Tapering the hole will provide a larger surface area for the laminate to bond to.
5. Apply a coat of de-waxing material. This will help in creating a strong bond once the new fiberglass is applied.
6. Treat the area around the damaged area with paste wax. This would ensure that any resin that spreads out of the damaged area does not stick to the undamaged area after the fiberglass repair work is over.
7. In order to have a hard surface as you work repairing the fiberglass hole, use a waxed backer to the bottom of the hole. Coat the waxed backer with a gelcoat. As gelcoat is a pigmented resin, one needs to match up the color with the rest of the surface of the fiberglass.
8. Cut the fiberglass fabric and mat to the size of the hole. Put two layers of mat and then one layer of fabric. Alternate the layers. The layers of mat and fiberglass that is to be used depends upon the thickness of the fiberglass.
9. One should use epoxy or polyester resin to mend the hole and also to secure the mat and fabric in place. In case polyester resin is being used, he has to use a laminating along with it. The laminating resin will ensure that the bond becomes stronger. To harden the polyester resins, use methyl ethyl ketone peroxide as a catalyst. It is advisable to read the manufacturer's instructions and follow the guidelines to determine the amount of catalyst to be used. Use a resin roller to ensure that the resin has spread evenly. The resin roller prevents the formation of any bumps or air bubbles.
10. Finally remove the wax backer. Remove any external imperfections by using more gelcoat. The last step of fiberglass repair is to sand and polish the surface as required.

As compared to the cost of buying a new fiberglass item, knowing fiberglass repair techniques and doing it at home is a better idea. So save yourself some money and get down to the do it yourself fiberglass repair. Even the satisfaction of doing it yourself is immense.