If you’re restoring a boat or tackling fiberglass, wood, or metal fairing, choose a marine epoxy fairing compound that cures waterproof, sands easily, and won’t sag on vertical surfaces. This guide highlights five strong options and explains who they’re best for, plus a concise buying guide and FAQ to help you pick the right product for your project.
| Product | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| TotalBoat TotalFair Marine Epoxy Fairing Compound (2 Pint Kit) | 2 Pint | Small repairs, patching dents and gouges on smaller vessels or DIY projects |
| TotalBoat TotalFair Marine Epoxy Fairing Compound (2 Quart Kit) | 2 Quart | Moderate repairs on medium boats or decks with fairing needs |
| MAS Epoxies Fairing Compound (2 Pint Kit) | 2 Pint | Pre-mixed, ready-to-use option for quick fairing tasks |
| MAS Epoxies Fairing Compound (1 Gallon Kit) | 1 Gallon | Higher volume projects, hull surfaces, or bulk fairing work |
| PC-Products PC-11 Epoxy Adhesive Paste | 1/2 lb (two cans) | Bonding and filling in limited spaces, wet or underwater environments |
TotalBoat TotalFair 2 Pint Kit
High-strength, lightweight two-part epoxy filler designed to smooth rough spots and fill voids on wood, fiberglass, aluminum, or steel. Best for small dents, holes, and gouges on boats, canoes, or other watercraft. Cures to a waterproof, durable finish above or below the waterline. Easy mix ratio is 1:1—blue and yellow components turn green for readiness. Use on vertical surfaces without sagging and feather to a fine edge.
Who it’s best for: small- to mid-size boat owners and DIYers handling routine fairing and patching. Best choice for users who want a straightforward mix and a smooth finish without pinholes. Caution: hard edges may require feathering for a seamless transition into the surrounding surface.
TotalBoat TotalFair 2 Quart Kit
Same high-strength, lightweight epoxy filler in a larger 2-quart package for bigger repairs. The formula bonds strongly, cures waterproof, and resists pinholes across wood, aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. It’s particularly suited for decks, hulls, and areas requiring significant fairing. The 1:1 mix ratio remains user-friendly, and the product maintains its shape under vertical or overhead application.
Who it’s best for: boatyards or serious DIYers with larger fairing tasks or deck repairs. Better for projects where more material is needed without sacrificing workability. Caution: larger batches may require batching in steps to maintain a uniform feathered edge.
MAS Epoxies Fairing Compound (2 Pint Kit)
Pre-mixed epoxy fairing compound designed for ready-to-use performance. Ready-mixed and ready to sand, this product features excellent sag resistance for vertical or uneven surfaces, making it suitable for hull smoothing or marine panel work. It sands more easily, producing less dust and simpler finishing before painting.
Who it’s best for: users who want an accessible, pre-mixed option with strong sag resistance and simple sanding. Caution: as with any epoxy, proper ventilation and curing conditions improve results; follow the package directions for cure times and temperatures.
MAS Epoxies Fairing Compound (1 Gallon Kit)
This larger MAS fairing kit mirrors the 2-pint MAS option with the same ready-mixed convenience and sag resistance, but in a gallon size. It’s ideal for larger hulls, decks, or projects that require more material to achieve a uniform, feathered edge. Sanding remains straightforward after cure, reducing finishing time.
Who it’s best for: professional shops or homeowners undertaking extensive fairing work. Choose this if you have multiple sections to repair or want to minimize restocking frequency. Caution: larger quantity means more careful storage and longer cure windows in hot environments.
PC-Products PC-11 Epoxy Adhesive Paste
Two-part marine epoxy adhesive paste designed to bond materials across dry, wet, and underwater environments. Suitable for bonding a variety of substrates including fiberglass, concrete, metals, glass, ceramic, and rubber. Works indoors or outdoors within a broad temperature range, and supports repair tasks that require strong adhesive performance in challenging conditions.
Who it’s best for: repairs requiring a combination of bonding and fairing, or projects that involve joining components after fairing. Caution: this product emphasizes bonding; while it coats and fills, for pure fairing, consider dedicated fairing compounds to optimize sanding and feathering.
Buying Guide
What surface and environment will you repair?
Choose a product that adheres well to your substrate (fiberglass, wood, aluminum, steel) and withstands exposure (above or below waterline). Waterproof cures are essential for marine use, but consider the cure temperature and humidity requirements for your workshop.
How large is your project?
Smaller repairs often suit 2-pint kits, while decks or hull sections may require 2-quart or gallon-sized packages. For mixed-material repairs, a versatile option like PC-11 can complement fairing with bonding where necessary.
Do you need ready-to-use or mix-your-own formulas?
Ready-mixed MAS options save prep time and reduce mess. Traditional TotalBoat products require a 1:1 mix but deliver consistent, predictable results. Consider your comfort with mixing and feathering edges when choosing.
How important is sag resistance and sanding ease?
Sag resistance matters on vertical or overhead surfaces. Look for products advertised as non-sag or with easy-sanding properties to minimize dust and finishing effort.
What is your preferred finishing approach?
If you plan to coat or paint soon after, choose a fairing compound that feathers easily and leaves a smooth, paint-ready surface. Some products pair well with specific polyester or epoxy finishes for a seamless look.
How important is cure time and environmental tolerance?
Faster cure times help with time-sensitive projects, but ensure temperatures and humidity align with the product’s specifications. For underwater or wet-area repairs, confirm performance in those conditions before use.
Which product balances cost, coverage, and performance?
Larger gallons give cost efficiency for big jobs, while smaller kits reduce waste for quick fixes. Compare coverage per kit and the material’s ability to feather and sand for the overall project plan.
FAQ
- Is epoxy fairing better than polyester for marine repairs? Epoxy typically yields stronger, more waterproof repairs and better bonding to a variety of substrates, while polyester is often easier to work with for cosmetic fills above the waterline.
- Can I use epoxy fairing on hulls below the waterline? Yes, many epoxy fairing compounds are formulated to cure underwater or in wet conditions, but always verify the product specifications for submersion use.
- Will these products sag on vertical surfaces? Some formulations are designed to resist sag, especially those marketed as sag-resistant or non-sag; feathering edges helps achieve a smooth finish.
- Do I need a primer after fairing? In most cases, a finish coat or gel coat is applied after fairing; primers are typically used when painting or applying coatings for adhesion.
- How should I store epoxy fairing compounds? Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for shelf life and resealing.
- Can I mix different brands? Mixing different brands is generally not recommended due to potential incompatibilities in hardeners and resins, which can affect cure and adhesion.