Glassing and Painting techniques

[Jetpainter]

I sanded and weighed the new 24 square inch test panels I made last night with .5 ounce glass cloth and one coat of Z-Poxy finishing resin. I applied hairspray to some of the panels and didn't really see much difference in the weights. There was only 0.2 grams difference in weight gain between all of the panels. The average weight gain per panel for 1 coat of resin and .5 ounce glass cloth was 1.58 grams. If my previous results with the other panels weight gains for a second coat of resin and then primer hold true here, I 'm thinking the total weight gain from bare balsa to ready to paint would be about 1.9 grams or less on a 24 square inch panel or .079 grams per square inch.

 

[Terryscustom]

I'm liking these results!!! Awesome tests Jetpainter!!!

 

[henry b]

I know I know, but You have to start somewhere. Been thinking of signing up for some auto body classes at the community college .Less than a mile from my house .

 

[Jlc]

I sanded and weighed the new 24 square inch test panels I made last night with .5 ounce glass cloth and one coat of Z-Poxy finishing resin. I applied hairspray to some of the panels and didn't really see much difference in the weights. There was only 0.2 grams difference in weight gain between all of the panels. The average weight gain per panel for 1 coat of resin and .5 ounce glass cloth was 1.58 grams. If my previous results with the other panels weight gains for a second coat of resin and then primer hold true here, I 'm thinking the total weight gain from bare balsa to ready to paint would be about 1.9 grams or less on a 24 square inch panel or .079 grams per square inch.

Great information! Do you plan on painting the panels and weighing them?

 

[Ohio AV8TOR]

When i lay fiberglass down on say a hatch, I'll soak up the excess rein with rolled toilet paper. Roll it on the glasswork, and then unravel until you get non soaked TP.

I made a lot of Helicopter body molds and blotting out excess resin during part layup is time well spent. Make a better quality layup and saves weight.

 

[Jetpainter]

Great information! Do you plan on painting the panels and weighing them?

Yes, I'll paint some of them this week and post the results.

 

[Torquerolljoe]

Good information!!!

 

[Jetpainter]

I've never needed to use the blotting technique with Zpoxy finishing resin, but I do go over it several times with my squeegee to remove any excess and clean the edge of the squeegee on the rim of the cup. If you part has glossy sopts after the first coat, you left too much on.

Light weight glass cloth can float on the surface if you use to much resin on the first coat.

 

[Jetpainter]

I also want to try the Minwax water based polyurethane instead of resin. A lot of people say it's lighter. I have my doubts, but I want to test it and make sure.

Any one here used it before?

 

[Terryscustom]

Any one here used it before?

I bought a can over a year ago and never did try it. Being water based half of it evaporates so that is probably where the weight savings comes. Just talked to a guy on the phone yesterday that said I should try it....may be surprised.