Kitty Hair is a type of fiberglass-reinforced filler used primarily for repairing damaged fiberglass and sheet metal. It's made with long strands of chopped fiberglass, offering a strong, waterproof solution for rebuilding shattered fiberglass or reinforcing torn or rusted metal areas. Unlike other fillers, Kitty Hair's unique composition allows it to fill and repair a variety of surfaces effectively.
Properties and Applications of Kitty Hair
- Material Composition: Kitty Hair contains long strands of chopped fiberglass embedded within a resin matrix. This provides superior strength and durability compared to fillers like Bondo, which are primarily composed of filler materials.
- Key Applications:
- Fiberglass Repair: Ideal for patching holes and cracks in fiberglass boats, cars, and other fiberglass structures.
- Sheet Metal Repair: Effectively reinforces torn or rusted sections of sheet metal, offering a strong and water-resistant layer.
- Bodywork: Used as a body filler to smooth out imperfections before painting.
- Advantages:
- Strength: Provides exceptional strength and durability due to the embedded fiberglass strands.
- Water Resistance: Acts as a waterproof sealant, protecting the repaired area from moisture damage.
- Ease of Use: While requiring some skill, it's generally easier to work with than pure fiberglass mat and resin for smaller repairs.
- Disadvantages:
- Sanding: Can be challenging to sand smoothly, often requiring significant effort to achieve a flawless finish. It doesn't feather as well as some other fillers and may come off in chunks.
- Application: Doesn't flow as easily as some other fillers, making it difficult to fill fine sanding grooves. Grinding the surface may be necessary for proper application.
Kitty Hair vs. Other Fillers
Compared to other fillers like Bondo, Kitty Hair offers superior strength and water resistance due to its fiberglass content. However, it requires more skill to apply and sand smoothly, while Bondo is easier to work with but less durable. The choice depends on the specific application and the level of skill of the user. Some users report preferring finer, shorter strands in Kitty Hair compared to the heavier, thicker strands of "Tiger Hair," depending on the application.
