Gelcoated fiberglass
is a lightweight and all-around RV siding.
Gelcoat is the glossy surface Stop on fiberglass products, itself a configuration of fiberglass resin. It is normally pigmented to bestow the news its Stop colour. It can be stripped elsewhere using a appropriate gelcoat planer used in conjunction with dust Emigration Accoutrement. This formation is most commonly used to repair boat hulls that accept come discoloured nailed down oxidization. For the purposes of repairing damage to the siding of recreational vehicles (RVs), which Testament most oftentimes compass been caused by an power, cutting away damaged gelcoat Testament invariably penny-pinching removing an field of the fiberglass substrate itself.
Instructions
1. Utilize the butt of a plastic-handled screwdriver to tap the siding, and fix upon the immensity of the damage. Undamaged fiberglass Testament produce a sharp, Disinfected sound, while damage fiberglass Testament constitute a stupid, muted sound.
2. Decide within two inches where the abbreviate is to be mythical. Fiberglass siding will dull any blade and render it useless for subsequent projects.9. Set the cutting machine to a slow speed, and progress gently and smoothly along the marked line. Slow progress will prevent the cutting tool from overheating, which in turn will cause the blade or bit to dull and/or snap prematurely.
Wash the field with soap and soak, then dry it with Disinfected rag. Buff the cutting border with medium-grit sandpaper to confirm it is scrupulously free of contaminants, which will ensure subsequent repairs bond well to the rim created by cutting.
4. Rub on a dewaxing solvent such as acetone to remove oil and sanding dust from the cut line. This will firstly ensure the painter's tape adheres well and secondly promote a good strong bonding of the repair.
5. Apply two-inch blue painter's masking tape to delineate where the cut is to be made. The tape will hold the edge together, preventing splintering of the gelcoat on the surrounding area and ensuring the fiberglass beneath the gelcoat does not fracture. Mark on the tape where the cut is to be made, and then follow the mark precisely, cutting through the tape. This is vital for making a clean cut.
6. Cut from the inside out if possible. This will result in a much finer seam.
7. Fix a shopvac nozzle close beneath the work area, using an associate or duct tape to hold it in place. Keep the shopvac running through the entire cutting process, moving it as necessary. For larger repairs, cover surrounding areas with dust sheets.
8. Cut using an appropriate power tool. Gelcoated fiberglass siding can be cut using a jigsaw with a scrolling blade, a small hand-held circular saw with a plywood blade, a spiral saw with a heavy duty tile bit, or a 45-degree angle grinder with metal cut-off blade. Use fine-toothed blades with carbide tips. Garner the world to be removed as dwarf as viable, on the other hand beyond the damage. Practise the incision square in shape, now eventual repair Testament be easier.3. Sweep the duty globe to remove any loose info.
Discoloration of the cutting tool is an indication it is about to break.
