Epoxy over glass on hull...how thick?

[MikeY]

So if I am glassing the hull, do I need to provide a thick enough layer of epoxy over it so I can sand it to be as smooth as a baby's bottom? So you can't feel the glass weave? what is "common practice"?

Pros and cons? Obviously, more epoxy = more weight = more cost.

[Joe Nelson CS#35]

You will need about three coats over the glass with sanding inbetween to get a smooth finish. Be careful to not sand into the glass. But you need to take off the high spots between coats. The glass is sufficiently coated with the initial application from a structural standpoint. If it were inside a bilge, etc. it would be fine without any fill coats.

The nice thing about glassing is that you are assured a consistent and complete epoxy coating without any bare or under coated areas.

[MikeY]

Thanks.

I am actually finishing up a kayak, finished bright, and am looking at the issue for that standpoint. I have plans for a CS 20, to be started on once the kayak is afloat.