How To: Can You Build Your Own SkimBoard Using WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy?
Have you always wanted to build your own skimboard but don’t know where to start? Even if you have chosen the materials for your project, the next step to actually building a skim board can be daunting.
But don’t worry – we are here to help!
What materials do you need for your skimboard?
- Half-inch foam core
- Carbon fibre skins
- Breather materials
- Carbon fibre cloth
- Vacuum bag
- Backline traction pad kit from surfride.com
Lay Out Your Pattern:
Start by laying out your pattern on the half-inch foam core. Cut one half and then use it as a pattern to trace onto the core material for an exact copy.
Glue the Halves Together:
Once you have your two halves, glue them together using WEST SYSTEM 105 Resin, 205 Hardener, and 410 Filler.
Prepare Materials for Gluing and Vacuuming:
Cut all of your breather materials and carbon fibre cloth to size. Also prepare the vacuum bag. Make sure to wax and buff the jig before applying the bagging tape.
Apply Vacuum:
Wet out all of the materials with epoxy on the jig and apply vacuum. For this project, use WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin mixed with the newly formulated 207 Special Clear Hardener. This will showcase the weave of the carbon on the finished product. Once the material is properly bagged, apply vacuum and let cure.
Remove SkinBoard:
After the proper cure schedule, remove the skin board from the jig. Clean up its edges and do an initial wet sanding with 220 grit paper.
Add Finished Edge:
Add a finished edge to the skin board using WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin and 207 Special Clear Hardener mixed with 423 Graphite powder for extra durability.
Apply Epoxy Flow Coat:
Apply the initial epoxy flow coat using WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin mixed with 207 Special Clear Hardener. This gives the board a tough, glass-like appearance. Apply a thick layer of epoxy and roll it out evenly with an 800 foam roller. After sitting for several minutes, lightly scrape the board’s surface with a propane torch to remove any air bubbles. Repeat the flow coat process on the other side after the epoxy has cured.
Wet Sanding the SkimBoard:
After your flow coat has fully cured, wet sand both sides with 220 grit paper followed by 320 grit.
Apply Second Flow Coat:
Repeat the flow coat application on both sides of the board. Make sure to apply this coat as evenly as possible.
Final Sanding and Buffing:
Start the wet sanding process with 220 grit paper, followed by 320, 600, and finally 1200 grit paper. Buff the board out with a fine finish compound.
Apply Traction Pad to the SkimBoard:
The final step is to apply a backline traction pad kit from surfride.com. Snap a chalk line down the middle of the board for guidance.
Check out this old but gold video below of how to build a skimboard:
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