Problems - Solutions and Prevention with fiberglass materials

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Problems - Solutions and Prevention with fiberglass materials

PROBLEMS —SOLUTIONS & PREVENTION
POLYESTER RESINS:

CONDITION	POSSIBLE CAUSES	SOLUTION/PREVENTION

A. Resin not curing	1. Catalyst not added.	1. Add catalyst
	2. Insufficient catalyst added.	2. Check amount of catalyst used, and try adding more.
	3. Too cold.	3 Apply a "hot" batch or move to warmer area.

B. Spotty curing	1. Improper mixing of catalyst in resin.	1 Stir catalyzed resin for at least 2 minutes.

C. Surface too tacky	1. Applied too thin or under damp or cold conditions.	1. Do not thin resin, apply under damp conditions, or cure under 60 degrees without using "cold weather additive" in resin.

D. Too rapid curing	1. Too much catalyst.	1. Reduce catalyst used.
	2. Ambient temperatures too high.	2. Apply during more moderate temperatures.

E. Slow curing	1. Not enough catalyst.	1 Use more catalyst.
	2. Ambient temperatures too low.	2. Apply during more moderate temperatures.

F. Partially tacky surface	1. Excessive brushing at time of gelation.	1. Do not over- brush surface or brush after gelation begins.

G. Resin hard or coagulatingb in can	1. Resin too old.	1. Discard resin and use fresh stock.
	2. Contaminated catalyst.	2. Discard resin batch and use fresh catalyst.

PROBLEMS —SOLUTIONS & PREVENTION
EPOXY RESINS:

CONDITION	POSSIBLE CAUSES	SOLUTION/PREVENTION

A. Resin not curing	1. Used only one portion.	1. Mix parts in proper ratio.
	2.	2.
	3.	3.

B. Spotty curing	1. Improper mixing.	1 Stir mixed resin for at least 2 minutes.

C. Slight tacky surface	1. Conditions too damp.	1. Do not apply in damp conditions.

D. Too rapid curing	1. Too much hardener.	1. Mix per instructions
	2. Ambient temperatures too high.	2. Apply at temperatures be tween 70-85 degrees for best results.

E. Slow curing	1. Not enough hardener used.	1. Mix per instructions.
	2. Ambient temperatures too low.	2. Apply at temperatures between 70-85 degrees for best results.

F. Final surface too flexible	1.Mixing proportions not correct	1. Mix per instructions.

PROBLEMS —SOLUTIONS & PREVENTION
FIBERGLASS MATERIAL

CONDITION	POSSIBLE CAUSES	SOLUTION/PREVENTION

A. Bubbles forming on wet surface	1. Insufficient wet-out.	1. Work bubbles out with application tools. '
	2.Material moving on surface.	2. Tack or staple material adequately to prevent movement, or change application and tool technique.

B. Bubbles on cured surface	1. Insufficient wet-out.	1.Sand or grind out bubble and replace with material patch and fresh resin. Applies to all causes.
	2. Material movement
	3. Vigorous or excessive stirring of resin.

C. Excessively dry or wet areas	1. Insufficient resin distribution	1. Add resin to dry areas and squeegee out wet areas before setting up.

D. Partial bonding	1. Dirty or greasy surface.	1. Prepare surface properly to be free of dirt or grease.
	2. Wax not removed from resin 2 coated surfaces.	2. Sand and wash with solvent to remove wax when using finish resins.

PROBLEMS —SOLUTIONS & PREVENTION
FIBERGLASS FINISH PROBLEMS

CONDITION	POSSIBLE CAUSES	SOLUTION/PREVENTION

A. Surface "blushing"	1.Surface immersed in water too soon.	1. Let surface cure at least 3 days before putting in water.
	2.Uncured surface exposed to wet night air, fog, etc.	2. Avoid damp conditions during cure.

B. Material delaminates	1. Air bubbles in material.	1. For satisfactory use, all application procedures must be carefully done.
	2. Material improperly applied.
	3. Surface improperly prepared.
	4. Resin not cured.
	5. Wax not removed from finish resin between coats.

C. Paint will not adhere to surface	1. Wax not removed from final resin coat	1. Sand surface adequately before applying paint.
	2. Paint system not properly applied or selected.	2. Use paint system compatible with fiberglass.
	3. Resin not fully cured	3. Allow resin to cure for at least 48 hours before applying paint coatings.

D. Resin surface comes off in certain areas	1. Resin rich area not adequately reinforced.	1. Apply resin properly and evenly.
	2. Resin applied over dirt, grease, wax, or moisture.	2. Be sure surface is clean and free of these substances.