What it is and why choose it
Epifanes Fiberglass Filler Polyester with Hardener is a fast-drying, two-component polyester filler designed specifically for small repairs on fiberglass (GRP) surfaces above the waterline. Based on unsaturated polyester resin dissolved in monostyrene and cured with a dibenzoyl peroxide hardener, it offers excellent adhesion on well cleaned and degreased fiberglass, high filling power, shrink-free curing and easy sanding. It can be applied in relatively thick layers and is compatible with a range of Epifanes primers and topcoats.
Main features
- Two-component polyester system – base filler plus separate hardener.
- Fast drying – sandable after approximately 30–60 minutes at 20 °C / 65% RH.
- Excellent adhesion on fiberglass – formulated for well cleaned and degreased GRP surfaces.
- High build, shrink-free – high filling properties, may be applied in thick layers without noticeable shrinkage.
- Easy sanding – produces a smooth surface ready for priming and topcoating.
- For above-waterline use – sole suited for applications above the waterline on fiberglass/GRP.
- Compatible with Epifanes systems – can be recoated with selected Epifanes primers and one- and two-component topcoats.
- Chemically curing hardener – hardener paste based on dibenzoyl peroxide (organic peroxide type E).
Technical specifications
Base component (Epifanes Fiberglass Filler white)
- Type: Chemical drying.
- Base: Unsaturated polyester resin dissolved in monostyrene.
- Field of application:
- Fiberglass/GRP – sole suited for use above the waterline.
- Small repairs on fiberglass.
- Small repairs in one- and two-component paint systems.
- Colour: White.
- Density (TDS): 2.00 kg/dm³.
- Density (SDS): 2.17 g/cm³ at 20 °C.
- VOC content: 12.45 % (approximately 242.6 g/l; 2.02 lb/gal).
- Organic solvent content: 12.5 %.
- Solids content: 88.8 %.
- Appearance: Fluid, characteristic odor.
- Boiling point: Approx. 145 °C.
- Flash point: 33 °C (flammable liquid and vapor).
- Explosion limits (styrene-containing mixture): approx. 1.2–8.9 Vol %.
- Water miscibility: Not miscible or difficult to mix with water.
- Shelf life (unmixed filler): Approx. 2 years in closed container stored in a dark location between 5–25 °C.
Hardener component (Epifanes Fiberglass Filler hardener)
- Type: Organic peroxide hardener (dibenzoyl peroxide).
- Classification: Organic peroxide Type E (heating may cause a fire).
- Physical form: Solid paste, characteristic odor.
- Density: 1.15 g/cm³ at 20 °C.
- VOC content: 0 % (solids content approx. 45 %).
- Water solubility: Insoluble.
Packaging
- 500 g filler base with 20 g white hardener.
- 1500 g filler base with 50 g white hardener.
Mixing and pot life
- Mixing ratio by weight:
- Base component A: 100 parts.
- Curing component B (hardener): 2–4 parts.
- Mixing advice: Mix small volumes only.
- Induction time: None (no induction time required).
- Pot life after mixing (approximate):
- At 12 °C: 8–10 minutes.
- At 20 °C: 5–7 minutes.
- At 28 °C: 2–3 minutes.
Application conditions and tools
- Temperature during application and drying:
- Minimum: 12 °C.
- Maximum: 28 °C.
- Relative air humidity:
- Minimum: 50 %.
- Maximum: 75 %.
- Substrate temperature: Must be at least 3 °C above the dew point.
- Thinner: Do not thin.
- Recommended application tool: Filling knife.
Drying and overcoating (20 °C / 65% RH)
- Sandable: 30–60 minutes.
- Recoatable: After 24 hours.
- Through hardened: After 7 days.
Recoating systems
- Recommended primers:
- Epifanes Multi Marine Primer.
- Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat.
- Epifanes Epoxy Primer.
- Epifanes Poly-urethane Primer.
- Recommended topcoats:
- Epifanes Mono-urethane Yacht Coating.
- Epifanes Poly-urethane Yacht Coating.
Applications and use cases
- Small fiberglass repairs above the waterline – filling dents, scratches and surface defects in GRP hulls and superstructures where water immersion does not occur.
- Repairing coated surfaces – local repairs in existing one-component and two-component paint systems on fiberglass substrates.
- High-build levelling – situations where thicker filler layers are needed without excessive shrinkage, prior to Epifanes primer and topcoat systems.
Surface preparation and application guidance
- New polyester:
- Must be at least 14 days old.
- Must be free of chemicals.
- Bare fiberglass:
- Degrease with Epifanes Fibreglass Prep Cleaner to remove all wax.
- On the rough side of fiberglass, first remove the waxy layer with Scotch-Brite to promote adhesion.
- After application:
- Allow to dry, then sand.
- Immediately apply one thinned topcoat (15–20 %) to fill pores in the filler and avoid humidity uptake and staining caused by absorption into the filler.
FAQ
1. Can Epifanes Fiberglass Filler be used below the waterline?
No. The product is specified as solely suited for use above the waterline on fiberglass/GRP.
2. On which substrates can this filler be applied?
It is intended for fiberglass/GRP, for small repairs on fiberglass and small repairs within one- and two-component paint systems on fiberglass substrates.
3. How thick can I apply the filler?
The product has high filling properties and may be applied in thick layers, according to the technical data sheet.
4. How long do I have to work with the mixed filler?
Pot life after mixing is approximately 8–10 minutes at 12 °C, 5–7 minutes at 20 °C and 2–3 minutes at 28 °C.
5. When can I sand and overcoat the filler?
At 20 °C and 65% relative humidity, the filler is sandable after about 30–60 minutes, recoatable after 24 hours and through hardened after 7 days.
6. Do I need to thin the product?
No. The filler should not be thinned. A subsequent topcoat should be thinned 15–20% when applied to seal the filler.
7. What preparation is required on new polyester?
New polyester must be at least 14 days old and free of chemicals before application of the filler.
8. How should bare fiberglass be cleaned?
Bare fiberglass should be degreased with Epifanes Fibreglass Prep Cleaner to remove wax, and the waxy layer on the rough side should be removed with Scotch-Brite for good adhesion.
9. Which Epifanes products can be used over this filler?
The filler can be recoated with Epifanes Multi Marine Primer, Epifanes Epoxy HB Coat, Epifanes Epoxy Primer, Epifanes Poly-urethane Primer, Epifanes Mono-urethane Yacht Coating and Epifanes Poly-urethane Yacht Coating.
10. What is the shelf life of the unmixed filler?
Unmixed filler has an approximate shelf life of 2 years when stored in a closed container in a dark location between 5–25 °C.
Section 14 – Transport information
Base component: Epifanes Fiberglass Filler
- UN number: UN1263.
- Proper shipping name: Paint.
- Transport hazard class: Class 3, flammable liquids.
- Packing group: III.
- Labels: 3 (flammable liquid).
- Environmental hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant.
- DOT quantity limitations:
- Passenger aircraft/rail: 60 L.
- Cargo aircraft only: 220 L.
- ADR excepted quantities (EQ): Code E1 (maximum 30 ml per inner packaging, 1000 ml per outer packaging).
- IMDG limited quantities (LQ): 5 L.
- IMDG excepted quantities (EQ): Code E1 (maximum 30 ml per inner packaging, 1000 ml per outer packaging).
- UN model regulation description: UN1263 PAINT, 3, III.
Hardener component: Epifanes Fiberglass Filler (hardener)
- UN number: UN3108.
- Proper shipping name:
- Organic peroxide type E, solid.
- ADR: Organic Peroxide Type E, Solid, Environmentally Hazardous.
- Transport hazard class: Class 5.2, organic peroxides.
- Packing group: Not applicable (void, as for organic peroxides).
- Labels: 5.2.
- Environmental hazards:
- Contains environmentally hazardous substances (isononylbenzoaat).
- Classed as environmentally hazardous in ADR and IMDG documentation.
- Marine pollutant:
- IMDG: Listed as marine pollutant (organic peroxide type E, solid, marine pollutant).
- DOT: Marine pollutant marking with symbol (fish and tree) indicated.
- Special precautions for user: Warning – organic peroxides; protect from sources of heat (stowage code SW1).
- Stowage category: Category D.
- Segregation codes:
- SG35: Stow separated from acids (SGG1).
- SG36: Stow separated from alkalis (SGG18).
- ADR excepted quantities (EQ): Code E0 (not permitted as excepted quantity).
- IMDG limited quantities (LQ): 500 g.
- IMDG excepted quantities (EQ): Code E0 (not permitted as excepted quantity).
- UN model regulation description: UN3108 ORGANIC PEROXIDE TYPE E, SOLID, 5.2, ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS.
Section 8 – Personal protective measures
General hygiene measures
- Keep away from foodstuffs, beverages and feed.
- Immediately remove all soiled and contaminated clothing.
- Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work.
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
Respiratory protection
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Where ventilation is inadequate, use appropriate respiratory protection with filter type AX.
Hand protection
- Wear protective gloves that are impermeable and resistant to the product/preparation.
- The exact glove material and breakthrough time must be determined with the glove manufacturer, as resistance depends on material, quality and manufacturer.
Eye and face protection
- Wear tightly sealed safety goggles to prevent eye contact with liquid, splashes or vapors.
Additional safety notes
- Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces; no smoking.
- For the hardener, avoid impact and friction and store away from sources of heat and direct sunlight.
- Users must comply with all national regulations concerning health, safety and environmental hazards.
*Contenido generado por IA
