: I've been using the traditional 6 ounce (163gr/m2) fiberglass layup. My
: question: is it possible to use a lighter fiberglass - say 5 or even 4
: ounce if you beef-up the deck underside. I'm looking for the best possible
: finish on the deck - super clear. Even better would be no fiberglass on
: the deck. Has anyone experimented with a lighter deck layup? I'm not
: getting the clearity that I would like.
: Thanks for your help and Happy New Year,
: Bryan Gorr

The clarity of your glass lay-up is not an issue of 6 oz. verses 4 oz.
but of how you apply the resin.

I have consistently transparent double layers of 6 oz. glass by doing the following:

Heat your shop, so the wood, glass and resin are all at least 85°, with temp falling.
This ensures the resin will be thin and will not cool and thicken when it hits cool glass or wood.
Falling temperature will prevent wood off-gassing and actually pull resin into wood cells.

Use a slow hardener with regular resin. This will keep the resin thin.

Seal coat the wood before glass wet-out to eliminate the battle between wood and glass to absorb resin.

Mix 6 oz of resin at a time and pour it into a roller tray, then apply the resin with a roller.
Small batches keep the resin thin, pouring the resin into a flat roller tray will slow set-up
(keep it thin) and rolling resin on will produce a thin even coat further slowing the resin set-up.

Don't over roll the glass, back and forth, which create foam. Roll in one direction and give the resin
time to absorb into the glass. Roll on the bias of the cloth to eliminate wrinkles.

All these steps to are designed to make the resin as thin as possible and extend the set-up time so
wood, and especially glass, will have a great deal of time to absorb resin and displace air in the glass
weave.

This method will allow foam and allow trapped air to dissipate.

ANY additional glass, like seams or patches MUST use the same method as above
to be totally transparent.

Happy New Year!

All the best,
Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.laughingloon.com