Final Fairing & Finishing - WEST SYSTEM Epoxy

About this manual
This manual is designed to be used along with the WEST SYSTEM ® User Manual and
Product Guide. If you do not have previous experience with epoxy, read and become
familiar with the safety, handling and basic techniques presented in the WEST SYSTEM
User Manual and Product Guide, available free from West System Inc. and and available
at www.westsystem.com. Follow all safety precautions described in these manuals
and on product labels. Structural repairs should be completed before beginning final
fairing. For information on repairing fiberglass and wooden structures, refer to
002-550 Fiberglass Boat Repair & Maintenance or 002-970 Wooden Boat Restoration
& Repair, published by Gougeon Brothers, Inc. If you have specific questions about the
use of WEST SYSTEM Epoxy, contact the WEST SYSTEM Technical Staff:
West System Inc.
P.O. Box 665
Bay City, MI 48707 USA
866-937-8797
www.westsystem.com
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Final Fairing . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Establishing a fair level . . . . . . . . . 2
Removing high areas . . . . . . . . . 3
Filling low areas . . . . . . . . . . 4
Standard method . . . . . . . . . . 5
Notched trowel method . . . . . . . . 6
Guide methods . . . . . . . . . . 7
Batten guide method . . . . . . . . . 8
Template guide method . . . . . . . . 9
Template transfer . . . . . . . . . . 12
Local fairing . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Finishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Epoxy barrier coating . . . . . . . . . 13
Re-coating . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Final surface preparation . . . . . . . . . 16
Finish coatings . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Characteristics of coatings . . . . . . . . 17
Coating types. . . . . . . . . . . 19
Final notes . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Appendix A Tools and materials . . . . . . . 22
Appendix B Lofting foil shapes for rudders and keels . . . 25
Appendix C Problem solving . . . . . . . . 26
Appendix D Index . . . . . . . . . . 29