Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Beginners start here...! => Topic started by: boxer on June 25, 2016, 07:59:02 pm

Title: Why and how to use cloth?
Post by: boxer on June 25, 2016, 07:59:02 pm
can some one tell me why you use cloth and how to apply ...



Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth
Post by: Subculture on June 25, 2016, 08:02:40 pm
Can you expand upon that a bit please, what kind of cloth, glass cloth? Plus where do want to use it, sheathing a hull?
Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth
Post by: boxer on June 25, 2016, 08:35:42 pm
I am unclear on why you use it.... What you use it on wooden hulls only?


Is it  to waterproof,strengthen reasons or another reason


Currently my son and I are building boats we are new and inexperienced


We are building a fairy swordsman and a canal boat
Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth
Post by: boxer on June 25, 2016, 08:37:26 pm
Yes for the hull and the type of cloth is another question really
Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth
Post by: Subculture on June 25, 2016, 08:41:28 pm
The glass adds tensile strength to the resin. Resin on its own lacks this strength, although it will bond with the wood which does help hugely.

The glass doesn't water proof, only the resin does that. You can also use other materials, e.g. nylon stocking material works well with epoxy resins, and will be lighter than glass cloth.
Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth
Post by: inertia on June 25, 2016, 08:58:30 pm
Boxer
More information which you might find helpful http://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/finishing-and-sealing-of-wooden-hulls/18771 (http://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/finishing-and-sealing-of-wooden-hulls/18771)
DM
Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth
Post by: Vts99 on June 26, 2016, 01:03:43 am
If it helps I just used fibre cloth on my fairmount alpine hull then coated with eze Kote which is water based as apposed to epoxy resin so may find it easier for you . I was recommended this method by a club member to strengthen and water tight my hull before painting as it gives a smooth finish with minimal blemishes on the wooden hull

Graeme
Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth
Post by: Klunk on June 26, 2016, 07:05:02 am
The glass adds tensile strength to the resin. Resin on its own lacks this strength, although it will bond with the wood which does help hugely.

The glass doesn't water proof, only the resin does that. You can also use other materials, e.g. nylon stocking material works well with epoxy resins, and will be lighter than glass cloth.

Before you steel 'her indoors' stocking and tights remember to ask! I once used one her tights to sheaf a small Riva of 24" length, I then absent-mindedly put the said object on the side board meaning to throw it away.  She piled it up and put it away. A couple if weeks later we were going out and she went to put them on to find a big boat shape cut out of them. 
1. I got hit
2. It cost me several new pairs
3. It cost me a rather expensive dinner
4. A night in the sofa
5. I got hit again
6. She now checks all my boats and her stocking and tights
7. Every year for Christmas  and birthday I get tights as a present.

Moral don't leave the evidence around. You can blamed the washing machine monster.......you know that one that only steals one sock!
Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth
Post by: boxer on June 26, 2016, 09:17:16 am
Nice one  {-)
Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 26, 2016, 04:10:00 pm
 
                   {-)
Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth?
Post by: CGAux26 on June 26, 2016, 05:15:32 pm
I must remember Klunk's advice/experience.   :o ;)   I plan on using Mom's tights/stocking to cover my CG 36' Motor Lifeboat.
Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth?
Post by: ballastanksian on June 26, 2016, 06:07:28 pm
A boat shaped hole {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) You legend Klunk, you made me laugh good and proper :-))

Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth?
Post by: Geoff on July 01, 2016, 01:48:22 pm
In all seriousness it both strengthens and waterproofs the hull. On a practical basis there are different grades of GRP


1) Finishing, very fine and gives a good finish


2) Medium for strength


3) Coarse for lots of strength


Its a bit more complex that that but if you use a finishing grade on the outside its like a silver shirt when dry. Once the resin goes on its totally transparent. Resin the hull first and let it dry then sand of an clean. lay the cloth in as large a piece as possible on the hull.


Mix up the resin in a flat try. A bowl will cause it to overheat and set very quickly - make sure you get the proportions right and mix properly.


Its best to use a small roller and start from the middle working your way out. A brush will drag the cloth - some people use an old credit card.


You want as thin a coating of resin as possible. Roll it well in but its fine to let the weave of the cloth be visible. Subsequent coats of resin build up a gloss finish.


Avoid runs at all costs because you will need a file or a grinder to remove them - the resin can dry that hard.


Make sure its not too cold or damp or hot. About 24 degrees centigrade or maybe a little more should be fine. If its too cold it won't set for ages. If too hot it can set too fast.


Epoxy resin has very little smell


You can build up consecutive layers on the inside for strength if you want to


Hope this assists


Cheers


G



Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth?
Post by: boxer on July 01, 2016, 06:18:54 pm
I have Eze kote.... Thinking this was suitable, getting mixed up with resin,epoxy and Eze kote
Title: Re: Why and how to use cloth?
Post by: nemesis on July 01, 2016, 07:58:59 pm
The cloth you require is omnidirectional, the weave goes anyway. It is the sort that yachtsmen use when making hulls. Nemesis