tonyc

My Feedback: (4)

I am building a one-of cowl for a Laser. I will be using a styrofoam plug sanded to shape. My question is can I find a good 2 part epoxy for the fiberglass cowl at the local hardware store? I am too cheap to pay shipping and handling for only a small order. Or am I better off covering the styrofoam plug and using the boat repair kit available at the local Wally World?

dreadnaut

My Feedback: (5)

My experience with home improvement stores is that the epoxies they stock are adheasives. I have not seen epoxy laminating resins there. They do have polyester laminating resins, but that will melt poly-styrene foams. You may want to try poly-urethane foams. This is the stuff that flower shops use to stick arraingements in. It is easier to sculpt than white foam, and stands up to polyester resin.

tonyc

My Feedback: (4)

Thanks dreadnaut. That I did not know. The green flower shop foam will work just fine to give me my basic cowl shape. And I can use the boat repair kit to lay down the glass cloth. Should work.

DMcQuinn

My Feedback: (13)

I can get laminating epoxy resin (West Systems brand) locally at the local boat store. They sell gallon size as well as smaller sizes. you might look to see if you have a boat store in your area.

John Sohm

My Feedback: (9)

Some hardware stores also carry West Systems epoxy. We have a local lumber/hardware store that carries almost the entire West line of products. You might want to check around.

Avaiojet

Some automotive stores cary polyester laminating resins. I get mine at a local automotive store.

As far as the foam, there's a pink foam used in construction. It's placed against cement footings. I use this pink foam.

I made this cowling using pink foam and laminating resin.