STEP 1:
Be sure the structural columns you are wrapping is coated with
corrosive resistant materials and is properly anchored and plum.
It will not be accessible after you install the FRP column cover.
STEP
2:
Lay out the center line of the column. ( See below. )
STEP
3:
Using one half of the two piece base, line up the joint with the
marked center lines.
STEP
4:
Set the second half of the base in place and mark around it.
STEP
5:
To lay out the column shaft , ( it projects through the base to
the floor ), flip one half of the base at a time and use it to
mark the floor. ( See below. )
STEP
6:
Anchor attachment clips to your floor, angle clips at 45 degrees
from center line. This places the clips in the open corner of
the base. ( See below )
STEP
7:
Measure your column opening from top to bottom and cut the column
shaft to ¼ " less than the opening.
STEP
8:
Place one half of the column in position, use a level to get it
plumb, place the level on the column shaft at the lower straight
portion. Make sure to level in both directions. You will need
to temporarily secure the first column shaft plumb while you place
some marks at the capital for your anchor clips. At the top you
can screw through the fiberglass on the flat portion of the capital.
Use flathead screws and countersink the fiberglass. Drive the
screws in slightly below the surface to allow spot filling with
bondo later in the finishing stages. ( See below )
STEP
9:
After you have tightened all the screws in the first half of the
column you are ready to bond the other half to it. Make sure you
have set clips for the other half of the column, mark and pre-drill
the fiberglass and counter sink for the screws prior to bonding
the halves together. Double check to make sure your first half
is plumb and true.
STEP
10:
Before you mix the putty and hardener to install the other half,
be sure you have your band clamps or wire ready. You should use
a clamp every 2 to 3 feet. You should use some wax paper to place
between the straps and the joint. This will keep your clamps clean
for future use.
Mix
the bonding putty according to direction, than immediately apply
the wet putty to the column flanges using a putty knife or disposable
brush. Apply putty around the alignment biscuits ( this will help
keep column halves in alignment. )
Working
quickly, re-install the second half of the column. ( See Below
)
After
you have clamped the column, clean up any putty that has oozed
of the seams. Use excess putty to fill in any voids in the seams.
Clean off and let column set untill the putty is completely hard.
( 24 hours if possible. )
STEP
11:
Install first half of the base around the column shaft. Bond the
second half of the base using the same procedures as in step 10.
( See below )
STEP 12:
Bondo finish joints. First lightly grind or sand off any excess
putty from the joints, ( Use 36 grit. ) try to keep all sanding
within 2 inches of the joint. Apply a thin layer of bondo to the
joint, ( Use flexible putty knife or bondo spreader. ) remember
bondo will not harden unless it is mixed with cream hardener.
You must apply the bondo quickly and in thin sweeps, ( like joint
compound ). Sand it within an hour while it is fairly soft. Use
80 grit sandpaper on the first sanding. Spot sweep a second layer
of bondo to any low spots as needed. Re-sand then finish sanding
using 180 grit then 220.
We
recommend that you apply a bondo fillet around the base ring where
it engages the column shaft, you also could caulk it with the
urethane caulk. ( A bondo finished joint looks the best, you can
sweep the wet bondo with a radius tool ).
STEP
13:
( Painting ) If the fiberglass has been factory sanded, you can
paint directly on it without primer coats. If the surface is slightly
glossy, you will need to scuff sand it with 220 grit prior to
painting. You can use any type of good grade house paint or automotive
type finishes ( these must be applied by spray gun ). You may
want to spray a coat of lacquer primer over the finished bondo
joints.
Resist
the temptation to fill the columns solid with other materials,
it is risky.
Other materials could have adverse effect on the fiberglass. It
could also cause problems with expansion between the different
materials.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please call our plant
at 727-725-2057
