Surfing Waves

I've been getting into ding repair. I've read a bit, and watched a good video, and there seem to be different ways to go about it.

One thing I notice is that people layer the glass different. Some people put on the biggest piece first--the idea is to have a strong, intact layer merging with the old glass and covering the filler--with the smaller pieces (that can take some sanding) on top. Other (most?) people put down the smallest pieces first and end with the biggest piece covering the whole job.

Just wondering, any opinions about which method is best?

I have always put the biggest piece last. I think if the concern is bonding of the layers then the solution is to make sure it’s clean before glassing

Question: When your done prepping for glassing of the ding, is the area perfectly flat, a little concave or little convex ?

waikikikichan wrote:Question: When your done prepping for glassing of the ding, is the area perfectly flat, a little concave or little convex ?

Concave. I read "Ding Repair Scriptures." I remember it saying to grind/fill the ding below the level of the old fiberglas (and also grind down the edges of the old stuff to overlap with the new glass).

The "Ding Repair Scriptures" is a great resource. Look at his view from the side diagrams. Look how you need to build up the fiberglass layers of which some of it will eventually get sanded down. He even talks about using "the secret goo" to help in areas that will be hard for the fiberglass to fit flush.

From a physics point a view, I would think the integrity of the fiberglass will be stronger if laid flat not have bends and curves in it. Laying the largest pieces first and smaller pieces after might encourage lifting and air pockets.

I always cut two pieces to fit down low and a larger to go a full inch ( or more ) past the prepped area.