What an outstanding instructional video! I finally have a feel for what it means to fair a small boat. This process obviously requires exceptional patience. I faired my last small boat with neat epoxy (to get a bright finish), which was incredibly labor-intensive and difficult. The obvious visual indicators of high/low are a major advantage of this approach, and I suspect they make it much cheaper and faster than fairing with neat epoxy too. I must admit that I was pretty shocked and disappointed that we didn't get to see the painted hull bottom at the end of the video! Great guide to the process, though.
This is a completely different way of fairing then I’ve ever seen especially with rolling on the clear and I like it, one question though, how long do you have to wait before you can sand in between coats?
Great video! Couple questions: For the fairing, do you use the glass bubbles thickener for easier sanding? Also, for your thin coats of epoxy before priming, could you not tint the epoxy for your color then just varnish after?
Hey there! We use the 407 Low-Density Fairing Filler for easier sanding. We tinted the epoxy for a more even base before painting it, but it's not necessarily required to tint before painting or varnishing. If you are aiming to have a clear (not opaque) finish, we recommend applying a UV-inhibiting topcoat over your epoxy. Lots of varnishes include UV inhibitors these days. If you need more info, you're welcome to contact our Technical Department and speak to one of our Technical Advisors! 👍
You certainly can use the notched trowel method for fairing as it is described in section 14.3.2 of our Fiberglass Boat Repair and Maintenance Manual (www.westsystem.com/app/uploads/2022/10/Fiberglass-Manual-2015.pdf). If you have minor fairing work to do this may not be the most efficient way to fair the surface.-Rachael
Hey Reg! Our 105 system with the fairing fillers can be used on aluminum boats. However, we generally recommend using our G/Flex rather than the 105 system for this application as G/Flex typically achieves a stronger bond to aluminum surfaces. The fairing fillers can be added into G/Flex to make it easier to sand. Let us know if you have any other questions! 😃
This video was immensely helpful. West systems 407 fairing + 410 rolled finish combo is awesome. Thank you Greg!
What an outstanding instructional video! I finally have a feel for what it means to fair a small boat. This process obviously requires exceptional patience. I faired my last small boat with neat epoxy (to get a bright finish), which was incredibly labor-intensive and difficult. The obvious visual indicators of high/low are a major advantage of this approach, and I suspect they make it much cheaper and faster than fairing with neat epoxy too.
I must admit that I was pretty shocked and disappointed that we didn't get to see the painted hull bottom at the end of the video! Great guide to the process, though.
Nice demonstration of all the steps
Very informative... BUT no mention of Amine Blush!!!
This is a completely different way of fairing then I’ve ever seen especially with rolling on the clear and I like it, one question though, how long do you have to wait before you can sand in between coats?
Curious about the straight edges you're using for fairing. Can you let me know where to source those?
Great video! Couple questions:
For the fairing, do you use the glass bubbles thickener for easier sanding?
Also, for your thin coats of epoxy before priming, could you not tint the epoxy for your color then just varnish after?
Hey there! We use the 407 Low-Density Fairing Filler for easier sanding. We tinted the epoxy for a more even base before painting it, but it's not necessarily required to tint before painting or varnishing. If you are aiming to have a clear (not opaque) finish, we recommend applying a UV-inhibiting topcoat over your epoxy. Lots of varnishes include UV inhibitors these days. If you need more info, you're welcome to contact our Technical Department and speak to one of our Technical Advisors! 👍
Is there a reason that you didn't use the notched trowel method for the initial fairig stage?
You certainly can use the notched trowel method for fairing as it is described in section 14.3.2 of our Fiberglass Boat Repair and Maintenance Manual (www.westsystem.com/app/uploads/2022/10/Fiberglass-Manual-2015.pdf). If you have minor fairing work to do this may not be the most efficient way to fair the surface.-Rachael
What grit was used in sanding down the final 410 coat?
Greg says he used 80-grit sandpaper, then 120-grit before painting.
Thank you for the follow up!
Can this be used on aluminium boats ?
Hey Reg! Our 105 system with the fairing fillers can be used on aluminum boats. However, we generally recommend using our G/Flex rather than the 105 system for this application as G/Flex typically achieves a stronger bond to aluminum surfaces. The fairing fillers can be added into G/Flex to make it easier to sand. Let us know if you have any other questions! 😃