Need a fiberglass ladder fix

[Az Gardener]

Got a great deal on 2-32' extension ladders 50 for both :clapping::clapping: That is until I had them loaded up and realized I had fiberglass in my hands and arms :cry::cry: Anyone had experience painting or sealing these things so the guys don't have to wear a hazmet suit to trim fig vines on the side of a house? Suggestions on products to use prep etc.

[Jason Rose]

I know about the fiberglass! Have a customer with those reflector stakes for their drive. I'd pull them and replace them each time I mowed. Hand slipped on the stake not once, but twice on different ocassions. Made for a long day after that.

Maybe some spray clear coat, the rattlecan stuff.

[jkason]

It's nasty messy. Not to mention a PITA.
Return them and get new ones.

[Runner]

Not only that,...but broken fibers on a fiberglass ladder is nothing to mess around with. As more break, the ladder gets weaker and weaker. Not just at a steady pace, though. The amount and rate that it weakens is on a bell curve.

[Az Gardener]

It is not a break, it is just like microscopic little hairs all over the ladder you can't see anything. Like when you touch insulation. You can't see it it just itches. If you have ever had the misfortune to get into some teddy-bear prickly pear cacti its the same, you can't see the fine needles it just hurts.

[Runner]

Look for a product called Gel-Coat. It is a laminate product that seals and acts as a smooth finish. This is usually sprayed on, but I'm sure you could brush it on, as well. I think it ran about 50 bucks a gallon, which would be more than enough for what you need to do.

[nosparkplugs]

I would try JB weld if you must keep it; however you should be careful when repairing a ladder with a strength/weight bearing issue, I would replace for safety reasons.

[jiggz]

just go to any boating shop and pick up a gallon of marine resin (fiberglass resin) and hardener.. its the same stuff that was used when the glass was laid toghter jusy clean the ladder with dishwasher soap, simple green.. whatever,, dry it good.. and paint the resin on with a brush. it goes on pretty thick and is hard as nails.. i just had to fiber glass a hole in the bottom of my gas tank in my f250 today.. saved me 150 bucks haha

[Lawn Freak]

Yeah I think I would probably go with the clearcoat option. I think you can buy that stuff at Wal*Mart in the spray cans for pretty cheap. Just my 2 cents. Sounds like you got a pretty good deal on price though. Usually a 20 foot extension is about $70.00 around here.
Good Luck

[mdvaden]

The only repair I've done was on a fiberglass canoe.

Your ladder may be an issue of partial detioration.

But I'd guess if you go to an auto parts store of something like that, and order some of the resin stuff used to put over fiberglass cloth - if you brush if over the loose fiber areas, it may well tack them down and stop the mini splinters.

[Luvs2Play]

Use fiberglass resin with hardener as mentioned. It is the only true repair for fiberglass. Mix it as instructed and paint it on with a paintbrush. You should have about 30 minute workable pot life, you can get alot on in that much time. After 24 hours, you'll have new ladders. if any of the hairs still stick out after cure, just run some 100 grit sandpaper over it lightly.