Making small repairs to fiberglass surfaces
Interlux® Watertite is a two-part epoxy filler, suited to most DIY repairs above and below water.
Step 1: Health and Safety
Before commencing preparatory work, ensure the area you are working in is adequately ventilated. Ensure you are wearing the correct PPE; we recommend safety glasses, goggles or visors, nitrile rubber gloves, overalls (ensuring skin is not exposed) and a face mask.
Step 2: Inspection
Inspect for damage. Small repairs can be tackled easily, but any damage affecting a large area, or affecting the structure or hull integrity, should be referred to a professional for proper assessment.
Step 3: Preparation and Priming
Remove any loose filler or gelcoat and abrade edges to remove loose material. Remove all debris and prime with InterProtect® 2000E or Epoxy Primekote, according to system recommendations provided elsewhere in this guide. Apply Watertite or Interfill® after the first coat of primer.
Step 4: Applying the filler
Mask off the damaged area and apply Watertite using a putty knife or spatula. Allow to cure, following the recommendations provided on the product label.
Once cured, sand with 80-220 grit paper. The finished repair should be smooth and level with the surface. If required a second layer of filler may be applied, repeating the same process. The repaired area can then be primed, ready for painting.
“Working with epoxy fillers?”
- Two-part epoxy fillers are the most widely used fillers in the yachting industry. They are invariably solvent free. A benefit of being solvent free is that they do not attack the underlying primer.
- Epoxies must be mixed in the proper ratio. Too much curing agent and they will leave a sticky film on the surface that is not suitable for overcoating. Too little curing agent will weaken the filler and cause it to crumble later on.
- Below the waterline, epoxy fillers must be used.
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