I have replaced a large damaged section with a patch panel and now need to make the repair look good and of course be strong. Is there any benefit to using the short strand fiberglass filler (Duraglass) in lieu of the regular body filler (Rage)? I any referring to areas that are only cosmetic when I am blocking out a rough fiberglass repair.

Filler before or after gel? I am using the filler directly over fiberglass for leveling not exceeding 1/4 inch. I plan to use filler or glaze after applying heavy gel coat to ensure a perfect contour. (To be followed by sealer and paint). Does this make sense?

Will gelcoat cover 36 grit scratches? I have resanded the fiberglass repair with 80 grit but have not completely removed the 36 grit scratches.

Can I join two panels without beveling both sides of the joint? Can one side (that never will be visible in the finished car) be taped with woven roven and then fill the narrow exterior gap with Duraglass? If I then follow with gel coat and paint, will the joint later become noticeable?

And another issue of concern: I made a several fiberglass repairs where I used a layer of cloth between the mat and now some of the cloth is exposed after blocking. Can I prevent print-through if I first cover with veil before gel coating? Alternately, I could block the area down slightly and glaze over it.

 

Alot to unwrap here
Let me break it down one question at a time

 

Yes - but I use a product called Fiber Tech by Evercoat and I REALLY like it - you can use this as your first skim coat over your repair and then Rage Ultra over that

 

I do not gel coat - If your doing a repair and need strength I would use VPA (Vette Panel Adhesive) then a skim coat of Rage Ultra then Ultra Metal glaze as needed
Finish ALL your body work in 80, then 180, - you can then polyester prime then block to 400 - in stages
Reprime as needed
2k Prime - block to 400 500 600
Reprime as needed
block to 600
Sealer
Base
Clear

 

NO !
No you cannot
Couple things - if your going to do a butt joint - bevel the top edged - feather them back - Yes you absolutely will see them if you dont
ALSO make a backer for the seam of the butt joint - like a bonding strip - 2 to 3 inches on each side - make sure to scuff up the back sides and bond to both sides
If you need pictures let me know
DO NOT do a butt joint without a backer

I assume you will have filler over the top of your mat or cloth? It shouldnt print thru - but if you put primer over the cloth - Yep it will print thru

 

Very helpful. I have already done the bonding strip backing. Now I will fill the gap and bevel the top edge (including the filler) and cover with mat. Finally block with glaze/filler before gel coat.