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[wullie/mk2]

Having put on the fibreglass and resin is there a specific time window after curing for the application of the resin/microballoon mix?? Also I am curious, if microballoons are hollow spheres how can they be sanded down without leaving pin holes??

[derekwarner]

 ...you are correct TerryP

  a 'micro balloon' sphere is not chemically engineered or designed to be cut or sanded   ..........

I suggest further study is required on the application of these little spheres...... .....Derek

[MikeA]

sounds like it a bit too late now terry. happy sanding

[wullie/mk2]

Hi guys,
@ Mad Mike, not even done the fibreglassing yet!! But still made me laugh
@ Derek, now I am confused. I am sure that I have read that this was the next (sandable) coating to be applied after the glass/resin. Any suggestions gratefully received

[Netleyned]

Micro balloons in resin after application and hardening can be sanded or filed as they are designed for this application


Ned

[MikeA]

aah i see!  well happy sanding for upcoming future then

[Circlip]

Microballoon mix is normally used in toy Aircraft as a lightweight filler, a problem not normally applicable to boats.

  Regards  Ian.

[Netleyned]

West Epoxy systems use Microballoons as an additive to Epoxy resin in building full size wooden and GRP boats

Ned

[wullie/mk2]

Going back to my original question "Having put on the fibreglass and resin is there a specific time window after curing for the application of the resin/microballoon mix??"
Any opinions??

[Netleyned]

Terry after curing the second application needs to be as soon as possible
Once fully cured the application is not chemical but mechanical so the
original layer needs roughening to provide a keyed surface

Ned

[andrewh]

Terry,

What kind of Resin?? 
For polyester (the smelly one) about 2 to 6 hours  or whatever is specified by the resin manufacturer

For Epoxy, about 24 hours, or whatever is specified by the resin manufacturer

And (as Im sure you know) they sand beautifully (but as always don't breathe the dust)

andrew

[wullie/mk2]

Thanks Ned, that makes sense. Just one clarification before I leave you in peace. You say "as soon as possible", is that after the resin/glass coat has hardened, or sooner to get a chemical bond?

Thanks, Terry.

[wullie/mk2]

Hi Andrew, I will be using Epoxy. Thanks for the info.

[Netleyned]

As Andrew says
Read The Instructions
Touch dry plus a few hours should be ok as a ballpark figure


Ned

[More Coffee]

For what its worth..

Given I live on the dark side of the moon..microballoons are "special order" and by volume cost more than the resin..
Its been said that talc (baby powder)can be used to lighten up polyester resin for a light easily sandable paste..

On the cheap I have used baby powder from the dollar shop to make a polyester filler that sands real well,is tough as the resin and smells better..
Just mix your resin to your desired viscosity.. add the kicker mix and apply..

The dust is particularly nasty, its worse than dry wall compound(polyfilla).. a form fitting mask is advised if your sanding with a power tool in an enclosed area.

[rmaddock]

The full scale boat building types use common-or-garden flour to mix into epoxy.