Fairing and Filling- Tips and advice for using Awlfair and Epifill

Achieving a smooth, flawless surface on your boat is essential for both aesthetics and performance. Fairing compounds like Awlfair and Epifill are designed to fill surface imperfections, ensuring a streamlined finish. Here are some tips and advice for effectively using these products in your fairing and filling projects.

Understanding Awlfair and Epifill

• Awlfair: A premium trowelable epoxy filler from Awlgrip, Awlfair LW Standard is used to smooth irregular surfaces, providing a super-smooth finish and easy sanding. It can be applied above and below the waterline.

• Epifill: An epoxy-based fairing compound designed for filling surface imperfections on fiberglass, wood, and metal substrates. It offers excellent adhesion and sanding properties, making it suitable for various marine applications.

Application Tips

1. Surface Preparation:

   • Clean Thoroughly: Remove all contaminants, including dust, grease, and amine blush, by washing the surface with mild soapy water and a scrub pad. Proper cleaning ensures optimal adhesion of the fairing compound.
   • Sand the Surface: After cleaning, sand the area with 80-grit sandpaper to create a suitable profile for the fairing compound. This step enhances mechanical bonding.

2. Mixing:

   • Accurate Proportions: Follow the manufacturer's recommended mixing ratios for resin and hardener to ensure proper curing. For instance, Awlfair LW requires mixing its base and converter components thoroughly to achieve an even color.
   • Avoid Thinning: Do not thin the mixture, as this can compromise the compound's integrity and performance. Use the product as supplied to maintain its designed properties.

3. Application:

   • Thin Layers: Apply the fairing compound in thin layers to prevent air pockets and ensure even curing. This approach also makes it easier to achieve a smooth finish with minimal sanding.
   • Feather Edges: Feather the edges of each application to blend seamlessly with the surrounding surface, reducing the need for excessive sanding later. This technique helps in achieving a uniform surface.

4. Curing:

   • Allow Adequate Time: Refer to the product's technical data sheet for specific curing times, which can vary based on temperature and humidity. For example, Awlfair LW becomes sandable after approximately 17 hours at 25°C.
   • Monitor Conditions: Ensure that the working environment is within the recommended temperature and humidity ranges to facilitate proper curing. Extreme conditions can affect the curing process and the final outcome.

5. Sanding:

   • Progressive Grits: Start with coarse sandpaper (e.g., 36-80 grit) to remove excess material, then progress to finer grits for a smooth finish. This method helps in achieving a polished surface ready for priming.
   • Use a Longboard: For larger areas, a longboard sander helps maintain a fair surface by bridging highs and lows, ensuring an even finish. This tool is particularly useful for hull applications.

6. Priming and Sealing:

   • Prime Promptly: After sanding, apply a suitable high-build primer as soon as possible to seal the surface and prevent moisture absorption. This step is crucial to maintain the integrity of the fairing work.
   • Compatibility: Ensure that the primer and subsequent coatings are compatible with the fairing compound used to avoid adhesion issues. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations for compatible products.

Safety Considerations

• Protective Equipment: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses, and respirators, to safeguard against exposure to chemicals and dust.

• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize inhalation of fumes and dust particles, ensuring a safer working environment.

By following these tips and adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines, you can achieve a professional-quality fairing job using Awlfair or Epifill, resulting in a smooth, durable surface on your boat.

Our team at Fortified Oceanic is available to assist with any enquiries you may have about selecting and using Awlfair or Epifill products. Feel free to reach out to us through the following channels:

• Website: www.fortifiedoceanic.com.au

• Instagram: @fortifiedoceanic 

• Address: Shop 8, 1-5 Kalinya Street, Newport, NSW 2106

• Phone: (02) 8631 2525 

Visit our store or contact us to find the perfect fairing and filling products for your boat's needs.