How to Fiberglass: Fixing a Cracked Kiteboard

Step 9 The Final Layer(s) of Resin

At this point the board should be sanded fairly smooth, but more then likely it won't be perfect. Some of the strands of fiberglass may have come unraveled when you laid the fiberglass down and created raised vein like lines on the work surface. Or, perhaps, the lattice texture of the fiberglass will be too rough of a surface for a finished product. Whatever the case may be, it's likely that the project will require one or two more final coats of resin and filler, and final sanding to get things perfectly smooth and seamless.

For the final coats we went back to the thick West Systems two part marine resin mixed with West System's 410 Fairing Filler to thicken the mixture up. The resin gets applied in the same way it did before in step 4.

Apply a dollop in the center of the piece and work it out to the sides applying it like spackle on a wall. It should flow nicely, and if it's not too cold outside it should coat the top of your work surface evenly.

Use two thin coats to finish up rather then one thick coat if the surface is too rough or if you are trying to patch an area of a functional surface (the bottom of a kite board for example).

Let the layers dry and sand one before applying the next. Switch from medium grit paper to fine grit paper for the final round of sanding and be careful not too over sand or gauge into the project with the edge of the sander. Keep the sanding pad flat on the project and don't be tempted to push harder or sand with the edge.