Poor Man's Fiberglass? No, Frugal Man's Fiberglass SUP

In this video, we glass the board. On the last board, we used poor man's fiberglass, glue on canvas. On this board, we take it a small step up and use glass and cheap epoxy resin. Just a bit more expensive, considering the cost of the full project, but looks like it may be a better process. Still less expensive than using marine grade epoxy. Also, looks like I forgot the clip, but painted using spray paint after the first layer of glass was down.

[@Dlgeis]

You will have better results wetting out the surface well first and hem applying the cloth, pushing the cloth into the epoxy decreased trapped air. Squeegee the cloth into the epoxy and then add remaining resin to finish. A ribbed roller also forces the air to the top. Most of the glass sold in the US has a treatment that assist wetting out polyester and vinyl ester resins. Epoxy resins don’t play well with this treatment and it is more difficult to wet out.

[@arichardofalltrades6770]

Thanks for the tip - I'll try it out on my next glass project.

[@mandrewsvideos]

Thanks for another very useful video. I like the masking tape tip. Do you plan to make side by side comparison video of the two boards in the water?

[@arichardofalltrades6770]

Wasn't thinking of it, but it's a great suggestion - Thanks!

[@andrewtaylor7640]

Thanks for making the videos. I’m considering making a SUP this summer with my kids - your KZbin channel will be a great source of info and ideas. Cheers!

[@arichardofalltrades6770]

Sounds like a great idea - I'm not super talented, and I did it!

[@danielauen7790]

I wonder how epoxy on canvas would fair.

[@arichardofalltrades6770]

Not sure, but it seems the epoxy was the weak link in this project. Could be something else - I've used epoxy on fiberglass on other projects with good results. Thanks for the comment.

[@creesenebeker5686]

Before laying composites, do you seal the board with anything? If so, what do you use when sealing? How do you ensure adhesion between sealant & subsequent composites? When you did multiple layers at one go: Did you pour the epoxy then lay the cloth, or lay the cloth then pour epoxy over it, or did you alternate epoxy/cloth/epoxy or cloth/epoxy/cloth? Did you force the integration of cloth and medium using only the same spatula as in the beginning, or did you use other tools such as a roller?

[@arichardofalltrades6770]

The epoxy sticks to most things really well, but to be certain, you can paint with epoxy until the board stops absorbing it before the first layer of glass. I had poor results with the multiple layers of glass, but layed the cloth down, then added epoxy afterwards. What seemed to work best was to epoxy a layer of glass down, wait until the epoxy was tacky, then do the next layer. I only used the spatula. Thanks for the comments!

[@markknutson2301]

How do you think the crafting epoxy held up with the fiberglass cloth. I’m considering doing a frugal mans fiberglass camper. Mostly curious if you think it will withstand some weather

[@arichardofalltrades6770]

I think it weathered fine. A couple years ago, I did a stitch and glue boat, and used the craft epoxy, and it's holding up without any problems. I think the bubbles I have in my board are due to issues with the build, rather than the epoxy itself. I have a few other projects in mind, and will use the craft epoxy on those as well.

[@markknutson2301]

I’ve really enjoyed the videos you have made. I’m very new at using fiberglass and I have a couple fairly ambitious projects I’m considering. So I’ve been drafting ideas from your videos amongst others. I’ve also seen where people (foreign countries so I can translate any of the audio) will apply a resistance layer using wood glue (im guessing) and strips of paper like a paper mache. Then using a polyurethane fiberglass over top. I’m interested in this option also for durability. Do you know anything about this method?

[@arichardofalltrades6770]

I don't, but I think it would work fine if you put a single layer of epoxy glass, and then several layers of polyurethane, It's only the first layer that really matters, as the poly will dissolve the foam.

[@ronaldharris6569]

A gallon of casting resin is definitely cheaper than a gallon of total boat epoxy

[@arichardofalltrades6770]

Absolutely, but I didn't use Total Boat. Thanks for your comment!

[@bipedalhominid6815]

Cloth needs to be tacky before you lay the next layer of cloth. It doesn't work the same as thickly glass like CSM or 1708

[@arichardofalltrades6770]

Thanks for the input - that would explain the problems I had!