Epoxy/cloth laminate blister remedy?

[StPatron]

I've been applying a cloth/epoxy laminate layer to the sidewalls and am having some problems. One is the challenge of working on a vertical surface. I don't recommend that approach and mention it for reference.

The other problem is that once the epoxy has cured, I'm noticing some surface blisters. They were not evident after I brushed on and then spread the epoxy, but that may have been due to a combination of poor eyesight and poor lighting. What caused them to develop remains a mystery. However, they are there and now I'm faced with what to do about them.

I'm contemplating using a razor knife to cut the blister out and then applying a cut-to-fit patch, round patches of various diameters. On the upside, the camouflage pattern cloth I'm using reduces the challenge of blending in a patch.

Any suggestions?

[wannabefree]

If you can find a way to clamp it, use a syringe and about an 18ga needle to inject epoxy. Wax paper or saran wrap over the bubble, then clamp.

Otherwise, slice off the bubble. Fill with epoxy thickened with cabosil (plastic microbeads), sawdust, or talc. Let the epoxy heat up and gel a bit before you apply it or you'll have horrendous drips. Again, saran wrap and pressure will help prevent drips. Epoxy is a bugger to apply on vertical surfaces.

Good luck

[StPatron]

Thanks for the tips.

I've yet to devise a method for clamping.

[kaltenbg]

First post around here and it most likely will be late in helping. But anyways, I had the same thing happen while building my kayak. One of the ways to prevent this is to apply the epoxy when the air temp and wood is warm but will be cooling during the epoxy cure time. The small air bubble will shrink rather then get larger.

Garrett

[StPatron]

First post around here and it most likely will be late in helping. But anyways, I had the same thing happen while building my kayak. One of the ways to prevent this is to apply the epoxy when the air temp and wood is warm but will be cooling during the epoxy cure time. The small air bubble will shrink rather then get larger.

Garrett

Thanks for the tips, Garrett, and welcome to the forum!

I changed plans and applied cedar strips, coated in epoxy. I'll keep your suggestions in mind for other projects. Thanks again.