How to Glass a Longboard

Like the name suggests, the longboard is a surfboard with a long fiberglass board in place of the usual short wooden board. Glassing a longboard means applying materials so the board is solid and strong. You will need the added strength due to the length of the board. You will also need the flexibility to withstand bending and torque. Glassing the boards will make them curved and stylish, too.

Things You'll Need

  • Newspaper
  • Fiberglass cloth sheets
  • Dust mask
  • Fiberglass resin
  • Resin hardener
  • Plastic container or cups
  • Wood mixing sticks
  • Paintbrush
  • Wood dowel or used rolling pin
  • Disposable work gloves
  • Vinegar or acetone
  • Saw or utility knife
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay newspapers over your work surface. Fiberglass resin hardens to whatever it contacts, so your work surface will end up with spatters unless you cover everything.

    • 2

      Set your longboard on the papers. Make sure the surface of your board is clean and dust free. You can wipe it down with acetone first if you want to be sure it's clean enough. Just make sure it dries before you begin work.

    • 3

      Cut a sheet of fiberglass cloth that is at least 1 inch larger than the board all the way around. Lay the cloth on the board and smooth it out. Set the cloth aside where it will stay clean but handy. Cut as many more sheets as you expect to need and check each for fit, then set aside.

    • 4

      Mix enough resin and hardener in a plastic container, cup or jar to apply a coat to the cloth. Be sure to wear your mask and gloves when working with the resin. Some cloth absorbs more resin than others, so keep this in mind. If you haven't used this type of cloth before, make sure you have adequate resin mixed and ready.

    • 5

      Pour some of the resin in the center of the board and work it toward the edges. Cover the surface of the board with a thin layer of resin. Place your cloth back on the board, positioning it the same way as when you tested it. Use the wood dowel or old rolling pin to push the cloth into the resin. Make it as smooth as possible making sure there are no wrinkles or bubbles. Add more resin to any areas that the cloth has soaked it up and is not yet looking "clear" or saturated.

    • 6

      Add another layer of cloth to the board and roll it to smooth it out on the wet resin below it. Add more resin on top to saturate it with the paintbrush. Continue adding layers in this manner until you are satisfied with the thickness of the glass.

    • 7

      Allow the board to dry until it reaches a stage where the resin appears to take on a greenish tint and is less tacky to the touch. This can take up to several hours depending on how much glass you have put on the board. Cut away the excess cloth with your knife, or use a table saw if you have one and prefer that technique.

    • 8

      Smooth the edges with a belt sander or by hand with sandpaper. Take care not to grind the edges too deeply and change the shape of the board.