Repairing boat mirror with polyester

If the mirror in your boat is worn, damp or rotten, it is better to replace it. Fortunately, this is a job you can easily do yourself. We have written a handy step-by-step guide on how to do this. Contact us for more information!

Polyester or epoxy?

You can make the new mirror from either polyester or epoxy. We have written a separate how-to guide for making a mirror from epoxy.

  Advantages Disadvantages
Polyester
  • Raw materials are cheaper.
  • Easier and faster processing.
  • Easier topcoat finish.
  • Stinks during processing.
  • Needs more protection.
  • Poorer adhesion to wood.
  • Polyester shrinks during curing.
  • Min. 12 degrees before processing.
Epoxy
  • Good adhesion to wood.
  • Epoxy is completely vapour-proof.
  • Epoxy is tougher.
  • Processed from as little as 4 degrees.
  • Smoother end result.
  • Raw materials are more expensive.
  • Slower processing.

Supplies

The quantities of supplies listed below depend on the size of your boat's mirror. If in doubt, please contact us for tailor-made advice.

You will need various raw materials and tools for this job. If you order the following items from us, they are often dispatched the same day so you can get started quickly!

Raw materials:

Tools:

Step 1. Removing the old boat mirror

First remove the old mirror with a chisel and sand away the remains with a fibre disc.

Step 2. Making a mirror from marine plywood 

Once the back of the boat is completely bare and all remnants of the old mirror have been removed, you can make a new mirror from plywood. Cut the mirror so that it fits nicely in the place of the old mirror.

Step 3. Gluing on the new mirror

Apply G4 adhesion primer to the ends of the plywood with a brush. Once the G4 has dried, make an adhesive paste by mixing polyester resin with 2% MEKP hardener with Stewathix. Add enough scoops of Stewathix until it becomes a nice thick glue paste. Secure the plywood sheet in the boat with the glue paste on the ends. Also finish the edges with the glue paste by rounding the corners.

TIP: with rounded mixing spatulas and glue paste, you can easily make nice rounded corners. You can also use these spatulas for mixing the MEKP hardener.

Step 4. Cladding the new mirror

After the glue has hardened properly and the plate is secure, you can now cover the wood with polyester and glass mat. Prime the wood first with G4 bonding primer and, as soon as it is dry, start cladding. Tear the glass mat into pieces and first wet the wood with prepared polyester resin. Stick the mats on and wet them with polyester resin. Make sure you thoroughly de-aerate each layer with the de-aerator roller for a good quality laminate.

Step 5. Finishing the new mirror

24 hours after curing the polyester, you can finish the mirror with polyester topcoat in colour, for example. Has the polyester been applied more than 48 hours ago? Then it is advisable to sand the polyester coarsely with 80-grit paper and then degrease with acetone.

Make about 300-400 grams of topcoat per square meter. Apply it with a fleece roller.

Step 6. Follow up

With the new transom on your polyester boat, you'll be good to go for years to come. Be sure to apply a hard antifouling or a self sharpening antifouling to the part below the waterline.

Product advisor
  • Expert advice
  • Superfast delivery with PostNL
  • Pay after delivery

Products used in this article

Product 1 of the 5

Boat repair and restoration

Here you can find all 33 related articles on this topic. Mis je informatie om aan de slag te gaan met jouw klus? Neem dan contact met ons op.

Gelcoat repair (cracks, scratches, dullness) Gelcoat repair (cracks, scratches, dullness)
A gelcoat finish can get damaged and (spider and hairline) cracks and scratches can occur. Fortunately, it is easy to repair and Polyestershoppen has all the ne… More information
Repairing a rotten (balsa)core Repairing a rotten (balsa)core
Many polyester sailboats have a balsa core deck covered with polyester and fibreglass. Speedboats often have a structure of trusses, made of sheet material cove… More information
Fairing the boat hull below the waterline with epoxy putty Fairing the boat hull below the waterline with epoxy putty
In this article, we explain how to fair your boat hull below the waterline after a major repair of holes and cracks. This is done easily by priming the boat. Th… More information
This is how to repair holes and cracks in your boat! This is how to repair holes and cracks in your boat!
Is your boat damaged and do you want to repair it easily? In this article we explain step by step how you can repair cracks, scratches or holes in your boat hu… More information
How to apply hard antifouling to the underwater hull How to apply hard antifouling to the underwater hull
In this article we explain how to protect the below waterline part of the boats hull with a hard antifouling from the brand International. Here we used Int… More information
Osmosis treatment in 5 steps [manual] Osmosis treatment in 5 steps [manual]
Osmosis is a nasty phenomenon and the terror for many boat owners. Unfortunately, osmosis is inevitable, but fortunately you can prevent or remedy it yourself.… More information
Repairing holes and cracks above the waterline Repairing holes and cracks above the waterline
Do you want to repair cracks, scratches or holes in your polyester boat yourself? Then quickly read this article! We are happy to explain to you what you can do… More information
Painting a boat with DD Paint [manual] Painting a boat with DD Paint [manual]
Is your boat in need of a new colour or a new paint system? In this article, we explain how to paint a hull above the waterline. We used Double Coat DD Pai… More information
Repairing boat gelcoat spider cracks Repairing boat gelcoat spider cracks
Want to repair boat gelcoat spider cracks? Small hairline cracks and spider-webbing in the polyester surface are annoying because they ruin the appearance… More information
Gelcoat repair above the waterline Gelcoat repair above the waterline
Gelcoat repair for your boat Is the gelcoat on your boat damage and do you want to repair it? No problem, you have come to the right place at Polyestershoppen.… More information
Installing boat deck fittings correctly Installing boat deck fittings correctly
Boat deck fittings can become loose over time and even cause leakage. Especially on boats with balsa decks, it is important that all fittings are installed prop… More information
Make a new floor for your boat with polyester Make a new floor for your boat with polyester
Want to repair the bottom of your polyester boat? At Polyestershoppen, you can find everything for optimal boat maintenance. From polyester to handy supplies, w… More information
Polishing your boat with Riwax! Polishing your boat with Riwax!
Over time, your boat, which used to be so beautifully shiny in the water, loses its shine due to all kinds of weather influences. The polyester or paintwork of… More information
Applying self-sharpening antifouling Applying self-sharpening antifouling
What is self-sharpening antifouling and how do you apply self-sharpening antifouling? In this article, you will read all about using self-sharpening antifouling… More information
How to quickly remove paint from steel or polyester How to quickly remove paint from steel or polyester
How do you quickly remove paint or antifouling from steel, metal or polyester? A good question because sometimes you want to tackle your boat and remove old pai… More information
Repairing boat mirror with polyester Repairing boat mirror with polyester
If the mirror in your boat is worn, damp or rotten, it is better to replace it. Fortunately, this is a job you can easily do yourself. We have written a handy s… More information
What boat paint do you need? The right paint system for your boat! What boat paint do you need? The right paint system for your boat!
What is the best boat paint? What boat paint is suitable for my boat? How do you apply a paint system? We regularly receive similar questions about painting boa… More information
Repairing cracks and holes in a polyester boat Repairing cracks and holes in a polyester boat
Do you want to repair your polyester boat? At Polyestershoppen, we know everything about optimal repair of polyester boats. We also sell all supplies. You can c… More information
Cleaning your polyester boat Cleaning your polyester boat
Are you going to refurbish a boat yourself? Then, first of all, it is important that you clean the boat properly before you continue sanding and repairing. In t… More information
Priming a boat hull with HB Coating Priming a boat hull with HB Coating
In this article, we explain step by step how to apply IJmopox HB Coating. This epoxy coating is used to protect against osmosis (polyester) and corrosion (metal… More information
Sanding your boat Sanding your boat
Do you want to sand your polyester boat? Then Polyestershoppen.nl is the place to be. Besides the fact that in our shop you will find everything to maintain you… More information
Making a boat stand Making a boat stand
In this article we will explain to you step by step how to make your own boat stand. This DIY boat stand ensures that the bottom will not be damaged when workin… More information
Applying non-skid deck coating Applying non-skid deck coating
A floor in your boat that is too slippery? Read in this article how to apply non-skid deck coating step by step so that you no longer slip. For other articles o… More information
Frequently asked questions about boat maintenance Frequently asked questions about boat maintenance
In this article, we cover the most frequently asked questions on boat maintenance. We answer questions on antifouling, primers, polishes and boat paints. For mo… More information
Applying antifouling? Read all about antifouling! Applying antifouling? Read all about antifouling!
What types of antifouling are there? And how do you apply the right antifouling to your boat? In this information article you will find everything about antifou… More information
Polishing with Dulon | Polishing polyester gelcoat Polishing with Dulon | Polishing polyester gelcoat
Have you just done a gelcoat repair or has the gelcoat of your car, boat or caravan become dull? You can easily polish a polyester gelcoat to bring back that be… More information
What boat primer do I need? All about boat primers! What boat primer do I need? All about boat primers!
What is the best primer and what primer is right for my boat? There are lots of different primers and we understand that choosing the right one can be quite tri… More information
Hempel manual on processing Silic One Hempel manual on processing Silic One
Hempel Silic One is the revolution in antifouling coatings. This biocide-free product has properties similar to those of an antifouling. However, Sili… More information
Insulating a boat with Froth-Pak Insulating a boat with Froth-Pak
Condensation on the boat hull can lead to mold. But how can you avoid condensation on the metal? This can be done by spraying a fine layer of PUR foam against… More information
All about International B-Free | Biocide-free antifouling All about International B-Free | Biocide-free antifouling
Do you want to combat underwater growth in an environmentally friendly way? Then the brand new International B-Free system is the perfect fouling release system… More information
3 ways to repair screw holes with polyester 3 ways to repair screw holes with polyester
Many boats have redundant drill holes that are no longer used. A piece of fitting, a holder or something else that used to be there and sometimes it is even ukn… More information
The 5 best non-skid solutions for on a boat The 5 best non-skid solutions for on a boat
Safety is of course top priority on your boat. A wet and slippery surface can pose life-threatening situations while sailing. That is why it is crucial that you… More information

Do you have a question about this article?

Do you have a specific question? Call one of our specialists for free advice +3185 0220090