Finding the best fairing compound suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. 3M Marine High Strength Repair Filler (1.1 lbs)
Feature
Designed to repair areas of fiberglass hulls, decks, and other partsHigh performance
Description
This high performance reinforced filler is designed to repair areas of fiberglass hulls, decks, and other parts.2. System Three 3145S16 White Glass Microspheres, 1 quart Tub
Feature
These bulking agents are hollow, clear microscopic spheres that make a low-cost, low density fillerAdd to epoxy resin and hardener mix to make a good, heat-resistant, light weight fairing compound with good compressive strength
Mixture can be blended with a small amount of silica thickener to prevent sagging
Description
These bulking agents are hollow, clear microscopic spheres that make a low cost, low density filler. Added to epoxy resin and hardener mix, they make a good, heat-resistant, light-weight fairing compound with good compressive strength. Mixture can be blended with a small amount of Silica Thickener to prevent sagging. Not recommended for glue. Alternatively use SilverTip QuikFair for ease-of-use.
3. TotalBoat 5:1 Epoxy Kit (Gallon, Slow Hardener)
Feature
Convenient kits include enough traditional 5:1 marine epoxy resin and hardener to complete a variety of boatbuilding and epoxy repair projects.Self-leveling properties are ideal for laminating, and viscosity is favored for wetting out fiberglass cloth and other reinforcement fabrics easily.
Cures to a high-strength, moisture-resistant, light amber plastic solid that can be sanded and shaped once cured. Not suitable for clear-coating applications.
Includes metered resin and hardener pumps that provide the exact 5 parts resin to 1 part hardener ratio for a proper cure every time. Compatible with all 5:1 marine epoxy resin systems.
Kits are available in quart, gallon, and 4.5-gallon sizes, with your choice of TotalBoat 5:1 Fast or Slow Hardener. Kit comes with resin & hardener pumps, gloves, mixing sticks, and a plastic mixing container.
Description
TotalBoat 5:1 Epoxy Kits contain the traditional 5:1 marine epoxy resin and hardener valued for its high strength and moisture resistance perfect for completing a variety of boatbuilding projects and boat repairs. These convenient kits contain TotalBoat traditional 5:1 Epoxy Resin, your choice of TotalBoat 5:1 Fast or Slow Hardener, and calibrated 5:1 measuring pumps. The 5:1 epoxy resin and hardener pumps are designed to reduce waste in addition to ensuring you get the exact ratio and a perfect cure every time. Choose TotalBoat 5:1 Fast Hardener to achieve a proper cure while working in cooler temperatures (50-85F). At 75F, pot life is 12 minutes. TotalBoat 5:1 Slow Hardener is best when working in warmer temperatures (70-95 degrees), or if you want to extend working times and cure times. At 75F, pot life is 20 minutes. For dispensing product via pumps, the recommended temperature is 60-70F.TotalBoat 5:1 marine epoxy resin can be applied to fiberglass, reinforcement fabrics, wood, etched aluminum, and bare steel. To make a strong adhesive, filleting material, or fairing compound, combine the resin with TotalBoat fillers and thickening agents.
Available in quart, gallon, and 4-gallon kits. Quart kit includes 30 fl. oz. of epoxy and 6 fl. oz. of hardener. Gallon kit includes 127 fl. oz. of resin with 25 fl.oz. oz of hardener. 4-gallon kits include 4.5 gallons of epoxy and 1 gallon of hardener. Product can be applied by brush, roller, or syringe. It can also be poured and spread using a plastic resin spreader. These convenient, 5:1 Epoxy Kits can save you time and money on projects ranging from wet layups and laminating, to installing bulkheads. All TotalBoat products are developed by boaters, for boaters. We know what works and what doesn't.
4. TotalBoat Wet Edge Topside Paint
Feature
Durable 1-component marine polyurethane provides a beautiful finish with maximum abrasion resistance.Superior color and gloss retention. Easy to clean.
Self-leveling formula with easy brushability gives professional-looking results with just a brush & roller.
Brush, roll & tip, or spray on properly prepared fiberglass, wood, & previously painted hulls and other surfaces above the waterline. Not for continuous use below the waterline.
Available in 21 popular colors. Choose Quart or Gallon size then select desired color. Coverage: 350-400 sq. ft./gallon. (Black, Gray, & White are also available in a flat finish.)
Description
TotalBoat Wet Edge Topside Paint is an easy-to-use, 1-component, marine-grade polyurethane that provides a beautiful, brilliant, resilient, high-gloss finish on hulls, cabin tops, consoles, and other topside surfaces above the waterline. Use on wood, fiberglass, and previously painted surfaces in good condition. Its UV-stable formula provides excellent weather resistance so the finish retains its superior color quality and gloss. Once cured, the extremely durable finish will not fade, lift, crack, or peel.The high-solids content in Wet Edge is what makes it look better and last longer. It's also why you need to apply thin coats-2-3 coats are all you need for long-lasting beauty and shine. Wet Edge gives you the high-gloss and durability of a 2-part polyurethane without all the hard work. It's very easy to apply, has excellent flow out, and dries perfectly smooth.
For best results, prime bare wood or previously painted surfaces with TotalBoat Premium Topside Primer. Use TotalBoat Dewaxer & Surface Prep as a solvent wipe to remove grease, oil, & other contaminants. Wet Edge may be thinned with TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100 (brush/roll application) or xylene (spray application). Application temperature is 50-90F. In temperatures below 70F, use TotalBoat Wet Edge Cold Cure topside paint for easiest application and ideal results. Wet Edge is also compatible with non-skid additives and flattening agents for 1-component polyurethane paints.
Compare TotalBoat Wet Edge to Interlux Brightside, Pettit EZ-Poxy, Epifanes Mono-urethane, and Rust-Oleum Topside. Wet Edge offers superior durability, color retention, gloss retention, and weather resistance. All TotalBoat products are developed by boaters for boaters, to provide great value and great results. We know what works and what doesn't. 100% made in the USA.
5. 3M Marine Premium Filler (1 Pint)
Feature
Has an unique and easy to sand formulaDesigned for marine filling and fairing applications above and below the waterline
Designed with 3M Scotchlite glass bubbles
Description
A unique and easy to sand formula designed with 3M Scotchlite glass bubbles. Designed for marine filling and fairing applications above and below the waterline.6. TotalBoat TotalFair Epoxy Fairing Compound (2 Quart)
Feature
Lightweight 2-part epoxy putty for fairing, filling, shaping and repair.1 to 1 mix ratio by volume that changes to a green color when the individual blue and yellow components are properly mixed
Excellent sag resistance for application to vertical or inclined surfaces and is very easy to sand when cured
May be sanded in as little as 3 hours at 80F. Use above or below the waterline on a variety of substrates.
Available in a 2-Pint Kit, 2-Quart Kit, and a Gallon Kit.
Description
TotalBoat TotalFair is a lightweight two-component epoxy putty that can be used for fairing, filling, shaping, and repair. Use above or below the waterline on fiber reinforced plastics (FRP), aluminum, steel, and wood. Its 1 to 1 mix ratio by volume changes to a green color when the individual blue and yellow components are mixed properly.At 80F, TotalFair is sandable in just 3 hours. Be sure to wear protective gloves when mixing, and a proper respirator when sanding cured TotalFair. Do not apply Gelcoat directly on cured TotalFair or the Gelcoat will not cure properly. Apply TotalBoat 2-Part Epoxy Primer or TotalBoat TotalProtect before applying Gelcoat.
Compare TotalFair to Interlux Watertite Epoxy Filler, Awlgrip Awlfair,System 3 Quikfair, Sculpwood, 3M premium marine filler and other popular 2-part epoxy putties. All TotalBoat products are developed by boaters, for boaters. We know what works and what doesn't. 100% made in the USA.
7. West System Microlight Filler 5 Oz