Explain the process of repairing fiberglass.

Explanation should include

  • preparing the surface
  • preparing and applying primer
  • applying masking and pull tapes
  • applying finish by hand, as appropriate
  • applying finish with spray equipment, as appropriate
  • following industry standards and manufacturers’ instructions.

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What are the most common sandpaper grits and the uses of each?
  • What are the special products, processes, and safety considerations involved in finishing repaired fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP)?
  • Which primer should be used beneath topcoats over fiberglass? Why?
  • What is flash time? Why is it important?
  • Why should newspaper not be used as a masking medium?
  • How can the quality of masking tape affect the finished product?
  • How does 10-day pull tape work? What advantages does it provide?
  • What is the procedure for aligning brush selection with type of finish being used?
  • What factors should be considered when selecting thinners for hand application? For spray application? Why?
  • What is the difference between long stroke and short stroke techniques? In what situations should each type of technique be used?
  • What is the main advantage of using high volume/low pressure (HVLP) spray equipment over traditional spray equipment?
  • What is the importance of gun travel speed in finish applications?