alright so i've been fiberglassing some kickpanels for my sunfire... the only problem i've been having so far is now with the body filler. i loaded it on the driver side, and it's not turning out too well. now i'm at that stage with the passenger side kick panel, and need some advice...
so i think after searching and reading what other people had to say, they tell you to apply really thin coats... this may be my problem, since i applied this stuff pretty heavily on my first kickpanel.
would this be the cause of all the tiny little "dips" or holes in my body filler? sanding them out is truly a pain and i know there's an easier way.
so would using less body filler be the trick?
otherwise could someone give me a walkthrough with this stuff like how to apply it and all... because my first attempt didn't turn out too pretty... eh? but hey... it's a learning experience for me... ah well...
any advice is MUCH appreciated!
~Cole
did you sand the f/g first? once you're done sanding the fiberglass...go at it in thin coats of filler...if you spread it right...shouldn't be any small divets, although you'll have a couple....those...you have the option of sanding out...or putting a very small amount on in a 2nd layer...to fill the hole, and then sand it out that way....patience is your best friend when you're doing this
Filler should never be used more than 1/8th or maybe 1/4" thick at the MOST. And thats not layers, thats total... If the dip or area to be filled is deeper, then it needs to be fiberglassed first. If its too thick, when the part flexes, the body filler will pop off.
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also go pick up some glazing putty, should be in a tube near the fillers. its basically a thin non mixing filler. just sqeeze some out of the tube to fill any small pinholes you have, youlle almost always end up with pin holes with filler. use the glazing putty and youlle be fine. as far as filler i will lay down the thinnest coat i can while still being able to get the job done. shifted has it right on the thickness, if you need more then 1/4" you need to build it up with fiberglass first.
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what did you use to lay down the filler?
You can also use your fingers for the tighter areas where the spreader can not get too. If you are having a really really hard time sanding it all out then the best thing to do is probobly grind it all off and start over with thinner layers. Will most likely save you a hell of alot more time then trying to work something that is low and high in alot of spots.
Don't try to make your first layer of filler be your last. Just get the rough shape of what you are trying to do with some 40 grit and then apply another coat over the whole thing. Not a thick coat of filler... just a cover coat to fill in the low spots and even out your project. Then sand with 80 grit. That should get your desired effect. Finnally apply some glazing putty. Cover the whole thing again to get into all the pin holes and any very minor low spots you may have. Sand that with some 80 to get rid of any ridges you may have. Then finish with 180 then 220 and up if you want. I usually just do up to 220 and use a high build primer. Good luck with it and sorry I did not put this into paragraphs LOL
Air tools are your friend when it comes to getting that huge lump down to shape...as for having low spots i like to scuff the fiberglass with 24 grit and use kitty hair to fill in the deep ridges....make sure you use long strand fiberglass filler though then its pretty much fiberglass....wait till its starting to get hard and cut it with a razorblade...sand so it is decently smooth and fill with you filler..phil
lots of times if the filler is put on too thick it will shrink too! it definately sounds like being too thick is your problem
genearlly shrinking is do to more the product though. cheaper products will shrink more then the good stuff.
also when the filler is just starting to setup you can use a cheese grater to shave most of the high stuff out before the filler totally hardens, this will save u some time.
chesse grater is like a metal file with holes in it just like a cheese grater. should be in the sanding area at most stores.
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sndsgood wrote:genearlly shrinking is do to more the product though. cheaper products will shrink more then the good stuff.
also when the filler is just starting to setup you can use a cheese grater to shave most of the high stuff out before the filler totally hardens, this will save u some time.
chesse grater is like a metal file with holes in it just like a cheese grater. should be in the sanding area at most stores.
Also called a Rasp, or Wood Rasp. Very very helpful little tool. And Jason really knows his @!#$ too, so you can take his advice as the gospel. Not slamming anyone else, but IMO he has the best advice around.
