Fairing Compounds?

Hi All, I was just wondering what your thoughts are on Raka's Phenolic Micro Balloons?  I am shopping around for fairing compounds for a McKenzie restoration project and like the prices that Raka has verses Wet Systems.  I will most likely be doing a good amount of fairing on the entire boat so any and all input is greatly appreciated!  Also, is the West Systems the comparable product to be looking at?  

 

Cheers

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Permalink Reply by eric stevens on September 13, 2011 at 11:06am
I use raka's micro balloons and love them, they sand super easy. The epoxy is a great deal too even with paying shipping cost it comes out to like 50 a gallon.
Permalink Reply by Jim Philpott on September 13, 2011 at 2:35pm
That's what I wanted to hear, Thanks!!
Permalink Reply by Kelly Neu on September 13, 2011 at 3:05pm
I used 'em and they were great.  Liked 'em better than West Microlight.  The Raka balloons sanded faster and with less airbubbles.  Have fun sanding :))  Remember to drink at least 1 beer for every sandpaper change!
Permalink Reply by Jim Philpott on September 13, 2011 at 3:06pm
I'll make sure to stay hydrated!!  Thanks
Permalink Reply by Kelly Neu on September 13, 2011 at 3:07pm

Safety First.

Permalink Reply by Jim Philpott on September 21, 2011 at 12:49pm

Ok, now for the real question!  Does anyone have any tips on mixing ratios with the Raka phenolic micro Balloons other than what Raka provides?  I have read a few comments about the stuff being a bit touchy.  

 

Cheers

Permalink Reply by Dave Z on September 13, 2011 at 4:52pm

Uke girl, where is the scrap wood drifter?

 

a third or fourth for RAKA products. 

Permalink Reply by Kelly Neu on September 13, 2011 at 4:59pm

I'm still in river bum mode.  Will post when back from GC.  The driftwood drifter lives!  Love RAKA prices too.

Permalink Reply by Jim Philpott on September 14, 2011 at 7:42am
Raka and barley pops it is!  Thanks for the info you all and happy boating.
Permalink Reply by Sandy Pittendrigh on September 16, 2011 at 4:12pm

Micro-balloons and epoxy resin work well enough. I started using West System products (including their microballoons) in the early 1980s.  But most epoxies do not sand particularly well. They will clog up sand paper, even on your high-speed random orbit what ever.  Two things:

 

1) The absolute best way to sand fiberglass of any kind is with a random orbit sander running on compressed air, with a water hose in one hand and the sander in the other.

 

2) System III fairing compound (I learned about it from Jason Cajune) is handy--and easy to work with. It is epoxy-based. But it sands easily and you don't have to mix in microballoons......just mix the two parts together and trowel it out.  Turn up the heater for an hour or two and then sand away.

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