Subject: Stringer
Date: Sat, 02 Oct 2004

Doc,

Most of the prep work is done. However, the hull has some residue (glue and gunk) from the expanding foam we had put a few years back. What can I use to clean it up?

Kem,

There are two main ways to clean up residue. Solvents and sanding. If you are going to coat/paint the hull, sanding is probably the easiest, since you are going to want to sand the surface anyway. If you want to use a solvent, you would need to use a solvent that is appropriate to the material. Since I can't be sure of the material in the expanding foam, my advice there would be to start with something milder like alcohol, and if that doesn't work, move up to something like acetone, or lacquer thinner. A good quality paint stripper might also get the job done. It would be advisable to try anything in a small area first to test the results. When using things like paint stripper you want to make sure to follow the directions exactly including safety gear. I like Jasco brand Paint and Epoxy Remover.

Also, getting ready to order the next batch of stuff. Should I go for the low temp resin this time? I have decided to rip the transom and put in a new one. Kind-of on a roll now, getting the hang of it, thanks to you. Do I use resin to glue the plywood to the fiberglass of the transom or I need some thing else.

Thanks.

Kem

As far as the low temp resin is concerned, our CPES is the only stuff that we carry in two temperature formulas. If you are talking about this, then yes, I would advise the Cold Weather Formula this time of year in your location.

In regards to which glue to use, I would say that it depends on the wood to be glued. Our Layup & Laminating Resin is a good fiberglassing resin and general purpose adhesive for most woods. Oily hardwoods like oak, teak, and mahogany can be particularly troublesome. For these I would recommend our All Wood Glue. With proper surface prep, it will glue almost anything to anything, with the exception of some plastics, primarily polyethylene plastics. All Wood Glue will cure reliably down to freezing temperatures.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Doc