air bubbles in epoxy

Submitted byaaronpotter onMon, 03/26/2018 - 13:02

I'm anxiously awaiting warmer weather so I can complete by Guillemot build.  Hatches, finish sanding and varnish should take care of it.  When I glassed the cockpit coaming lip, I got a few bubbles in the epoxy.  I thought I could live with them, but it bothers me every time I walk past the kayak.  I'm wondering if the following procedure would work:

1.  drill a small hole in the hardened epoxy over the bubble using a drill bit between my fingers.

2.  apply gentle heat to soften up the area.

3.  apply fresh epoxy with a brush or syringe

4.  massage the area to work the epoxy into the bubble.

 

Any thoughts?air bubble in epoxy

JayBabina

Mon, 03/26/2018 - 16:58

Your fill coat is done. I would first use a pointed tool or nail and see how deep the bubbles are. you might be able to sand the fill coat and re-coat the area. You have to see what will work according to how deep they are. You can try your method but it just might be easier to sand and re-coat. Its one of those things where there is not one absolute answer without some trial.

It appears they are under the glass.  You could try drilling two small  holes, one fill hole and one vent hole and see if you could fill them with a syringe.  I think it would look better but not ideal.  If everything is cured I would probably just sand them out.  I don't think I would patch the glass I would probably just epoxy over the sanded area.

Rob Macks Laug…

Tue, 03/27/2018 - 10:32

Carve a cone shaped divot with a small sharp chisel to remove the bubble and fill with epoxy. Mix the epoxy and wait to apply until it starts to thicken or it will just run off.

All the best,

Rob Macks

Laughing Loon Custom Canoes & Kayaks

http://www.laughingloon.com/

207-549-3531

 

“Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.” - Alfred A. Montapert