Pressing lap into foam

General Discussion
1

I have seen on several posts that pressing your lap line into the foam with a seam roller or fingernail after cutting is an effective way to get cleaner looking lines, especially when using any tint. I am currently considering using this strategy, but I am worried that it will cause the pressed in portion to delam. Just wondering if anyone had any experience with this practice, particularly long-term and if the board continues to hold up. Any other ideas besides just grinding the lap down around the foam would be greatly appreciated as that is a last resort for me right now.
-andy

2

Starting at 1:00 min in this video, this alternative method help could minimize the cut-lap edge for you.

3

I roll my cutlaps and have never had an issue with delaminating. Im curious how you think it would increase the probability? Rolling is basically compressing the foam slightly under the lap, probably no different than a VERY minor pressure ding. When you roll it don’t just catch the very edge but try and angle the roller so you are pressing maybe 1/4-1/2” of the lamination flush with the foam.

4

Shouldn’t be a problem, you’re basically just mashing down the very edge before you lap the next layer of fiberglass over it, and you’re only pressing into the foam the thickness of the fiberglass, maybe 1/32”.

1 Like
5

Thanks, I appreciate the advice

6

The seam is pressed down NOT pressed IN! Better to get the cleanest Cut that you can get at the tape line. If you have to grind the lap. Once around the block with a die grinder and a 50# Rolok disc with a little extra at the nose and tail is all you should need. No die grinder? Use a hard wood block wrapped with 60 #. Keep it flat or slightly angled upward away from foam. If you over sand a tint, you will sand the color out and it will be blotchy along the lap. Nothing wrong with using a seam roller to press down the edge of the cut cloth. But even if you do, you will still need some grinding at the nose and tail.

7

On eps foam no problems with this tech. Be carefull to not press too hard, need only a light pressure.