How to Seal a Fiberglass Ladder to Prevent Shedding
Fiberglass ladders offer a lightweight and non-conductive way to reach high places. These ladders are very strong and will provide years of use if maintained properly. Occasionally these ladders become worn in certain spots due to abrasion from rubbing the ladder against a sharp object. You can prevent this "shedding"
before it does too much damage.
Things You Will Need
- 60-grit sandpaper
- 100-grit sandpaper
- Spray lacquer
- Dust mask
Tip
You can tell if the lacquer is dry by gently touching it with your finger. If the surface feels slightly tacky or sticky, allow the ladder to dry longer.
Warning
Spray the lacquer in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask to make sure that you are not breathing the fumes.
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Sand the damaged spot with 60-grit sandpaper. Ensure that all "shedding" is removed. Fiberglass shedding will look like small threads coming off the surface of the ladder. They will feel rough to the touch. Sand the rough area until it's completely smooth.
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Wipe the sanded area thoroughly to remove the sanding dust.
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Spray the sanded area with lacquer and allow it to dry. Spray back and forth in a linear pattern, covering the entire section.
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Lightly sand the area a second time with 100-grit sandpaper so that the second coat of spray lacquer will stick to the first coat. Wipe away any sanding residue.
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Spray the repaired area a second time and allow it to dry for two to three hours before use.
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Inspect the ladder for additional wear every time you use it. Since fiberglass ladders are more susceptible to wear and tear, inspection before use will help you catch small areas that need repair.
The Drip Cap
- Fiberglass ladders offer a lightweight and non-conductive way to reach high places.
- You can prevent this "shedding" before it does too much damage.
- Spray the sanded area with lacquer and allow it to dry.
- Since fiberglass ladders are more susceptible to wear and tear, inspection before use will help you catch small areas that need repair.
References
Writer Bio
Joshua Black is a business writer, copywriter and blogger who began his professional writing career in 2000. He has written numerous eBooks and has articles published on various websites and ezines on topics in small business, marketing, sales and sports. He holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial design from Western Michigan University.
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