Making it smooth

[RAYVILLIAN]

I realize that you all are using canvass. I used used bed sheets on the new WW and was amazed at the difference in the difference in the finish with different thread counts of the material. 100 count was alot like canvass but 300 thread count was almost as smooth as metal.

GAry

[ARKPAT]

That is good to know Gary ..... you got me thinking on a new box



Pat

[GPW]

You could put bedsheets over canvas over foam for maximum strength PLUS a Smooth surface ... the bed sheet serving as a “weave fillerâ€

[eaglesdare]

oh now that is a great thought to get that smooth finish look!

[atahoekid]

Funny... I was away for the week on business and never did peek in on the site, I got up this morning and came to the conclusion that I wanted to go ahead and use epoxy to fill the weave of the fiberglass cloth that I had already decided to use to cover the foam on my trailer. Then I came across this thread. I've messed around with a few different ideas and materials since I really want that smooth finish. I think that fiberglass is going to make a good sock, the thickened epoxy should fill the weave well and since you can sand it, it won't be as difficult to use as some of the other materials I've tried. I know it will take some additional work, but that's a price I'm willing to pay for that smooth finish. A good paint job will provide good UV protection. I think that's the way I'm gonna go....

[loaderman]

So many options

[GPW]

Nothing wrong with fiberglass , lots of things Right with it ... Just a little more expense and work ... and with the right surface prep and finish, should be as smooth as .... “glassâ€

[aratman]

I read on a canoe site about using duct sealer as a filler. The duct sealer site says its indoor/out door and paintable. I am going to try it.

[atahoekid]

Rosey is building a foamie canoe and is using the duct sealer. Apparently she's pretty happy with the results. Below is the link to her build http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=47250

[GPW]

I know this sounds like a lot of work , but what about going over the fabric with a squeegee and some lightweight vinyl spackling compound ... weighs next to nothing , easy to apply , easier to block sand Very smooth ... Just an idea ... this is a finish we’ve used on Foamie airplanes before painting ... and on our Foamie trailer to fill in small dents/scratches before covering ... That and a good thick sand-able primer should have it looking smooth as glass ....

[loaderman]

There is an exterior Spackle, but guys I know in the trade say it isn't any good.

[GPW]

L’, you know , I wonder about that “guys in the trade” business.... Most of the guys in the trade around here want a product they can apply quickly, easily, and with a minimum of work needed after... and have panned some good quality products as being too labor intensive , taking too much time for them to fool with, or in their terms “no good” ... That’s how they make money , rolling one job to the next , the less time spent on each job , the more money they make .... just the reverse of we “hobbyists” As far as tradesmen knowing of lasting results, I kinda’ doubt it , they’re long gone before any problems show up , and you know they Never do this to their own stuff ...

[wagondude]

There is an exterior Spackle, but guys I know in the trade say it isn't any good.

The thing with the exterior grade is that it is more dense (harder) than the interior stuff. It is more difficult to sand. The light weight vynil spackle can be smoothed almost with out sanding with just a damp sponge before it dries completely.

Bill

[millstone]

Man. I was thinking the same thing about sparkling. I used exterior spackling on my foam and it did really well filling the divots. I wonder if it could be thinned to the point where its easy to apply, say, with a wide drywall taping knife. Gotta try that when canvass time comes.

M.

[millstone]

I did a sample piece using latex concrete block filler. I'm not sure if it makes the canvas stick any better ,but, atop the canvas it worked GREAT. Two coats will yield a very smooth surface, and a wet sanding would look pretty close to a smooth frp panel. And because it's much thicker than paint, I cant help but think it would stiffen and seal the sock.

Worth a go. $15 agallon at Ace.

M.