Raka Epoxy Manual available to read online or to print a copy to better understand how to use epoxy. It is 9 pages long. It would be good to make a copy for your project file or notebook.
WEST SYSTEM User Manual (Part 1) —15 pages is very worthwhile to print and save a copy to your project file or notebook.
WEST SYSTEM Product Guide (Part 2) —15 pages
West System has videos and How To use guides that are very helpful to read. The use guides can be printed and saved to a project folder or notebook.
epoxy-chemistry "Mixing epoxy resin and hardener begins a chemical reaction that transforms the combined liquid ingredients to a solid. The time it takes for this transformation is the cure time. As it cures, the epoxy passes from the liquid state, through a gel state, before it reaches a solid state"
Applying cloth and tape is a very good use guide for applying (fiberglass) cloth and tape.
You can click on any of the following West Systems videos to watch them:
Dispensing and mixing epoxy video
Adding fillers video
Fairing video
Applying Fabric video
Barrier coating video
Boat, kayak and canoe builders have websites that share good fiberglassing techniques:
Updated 9/10/13 How-to Make a Transparent Glass Lay-up by Laughing Loon Kayaks and Canoes.
he continues with a very thorough step-by-step "how-to" description of his best fiberglassing techniques. It is well worth reading for practical information and "tips of the trade." It would be a good idea to print and save a copy to a project notebook.The Task
There are many different techniques to apply epoxy resin and fiberglass cloth on stripper boats. The results of each technique can vary greatly depending on the skill, patience, powers of observation, ability to visualize, experience, and dumb luck of the person applying that technique. These are a lot of variables beyond the control of most novices. However, there are a lot of variables that can be controlled. This is my experience with fiberglass and epoxy lay-ups. What works well and not-so-well...
Fairing and priming the outside of the hull by Boat Builder Central shows the process of fairing (creating a smooth surface) with photos of the process all the way to a painted hull.
They have a forum for sharing ideas. Resins, Fiberglass and Paint is a sub-forum.
Abrasion Resistant Fabrics, Fiberglass, Kevlar & Carbon. Common and Exotic fibers used in building wood strip kayaks and composite shells. by One Ocean Kayaks discusses the pros and cons of different reinforcing fabrics.
Several teardrop builders have good building guides for a fiberglassed plywood teardrop:
Joanne's Desert Dawg Joanne built a Grasshopper style teardrop that she fiberglassed and painted. Her web site shares many helpful details of the construction of the camper from start to "finish" ("finish" in quotes because there is always more tinkering to do). I've had the pleasure of meeting Joanne and seeing her Desert Dawg teardrop trailer.
CampingClassics.com by Steve Fredericks has Information for the home builder. He sells A Teardrop Builder's Shop Manual. I bought one myself. Steve's "inside out technique" for building a teardrop is a time and back saver. He leans toward building woodie teardrop trailers with clear finishes that beautifully show off their wood grains and colors. The Gallery. Camping Classics' Finished Projects
Some additional suppliers of epoxy and or fiberglass cloth:
US composites sells epoxy, fiberglass cloth, discounted carbon fiber, and many supplies.
solarcomposites sells a wide variety of composite fabrics.
ill street composites sells epoxy and a wide variety of composite fabrics.
Aero Marine an epoxy supplier in San Diego, CA.
MAS epoxies sells epoxy and has good How-To videos and articles on their web site.