I'll try to add something constructive here.

I'm part-way (most-way?) through doing the fiberglass cowl halves for an
RV-9A. "Doing" means first fitting them, then attaching them, then
sealing them. So far I find it less fun than the canopy, which in spite
of the scare stories was straightforward in comparison.

The cowl halves are fitted (trimmed and fit), attachments placed (hinges
for the two halves, Skybolt fasteners around the firewall), and now I'm
sealing the fiberglass with WEST system epoxy. A messy job since the
epoxy, thinned with lacquer thinner or acetone per Vans instructions,
runs and drips, and then the sanding is tedious and just a chore. But I
discovered last night that wet sanding is far superior! No dust, just
rinse with the hose occasionally to get rid of the slurry, and my
cordless Makita orbital sander still works. It's even easy to see what
areas are properly sanded, and which aren't, by the way the water sheets
or beads.
--
Don't miss the donut by looking through the hole.
--Author Unknown