Best fiberglass fabric for top layer of deck before gel coat?

[studioq]

I've been trying to decide what the best layer would be for the top layer of fiberglass - taking print-through, no-skid and overall texture into account. What would be the best fabric (mat, cloth, bi-axial) to use as a final layer in the laminate. My old deck was near 1/4 of an inch thick.

 

[Triangleboater]

I used several layers of chopped strand and then the top layer I sanded down a good bit to make level. I liked the results alot.

 

[WOEISMEIGOTTA470]

CSM works fine as a final layer before topcoating. If you want the surface completely smooth, then just sand, apply a skim coat of fairing compound and re-sand flat. Then apply gel coat. Gel coat will fill in and hide most fine scratches (i.e. 120grit), but normal non-prepped csm surface will show through. You can also use what's called surfacing veil mat, as your final layer in the layup. This will help create a smoother surface that's easier/faster to prep before top-coating. Hope that helps.

 

[studioq]

WOEISMEIGOTTA470 - Thank you. I think that helps a lot.. I didn't know how difficult it would be to sand a laminating resin. Didn't even know if it was possible or if it would gum up the paper.

 

[undone]

It also depends on what kind of a finish you want. If you plan to use a non skid on the entire surface it will hide most fiber texture from the glass used, mat is random so it may be less noticeable even with no sanding or filling. Mat also adds a bit of easy on the skin texture. If you want smooth areas around sections of non skid, then a fine cloth ( 6 oz or less) will leave less sanding and filling to achieve the smooth finish.

You typically put down a layer of gel coat and while it's still wet sprinkle the non skid grit on it, the amount of grit can vary depending on how aggressive you want the surface to be. Then when that is hard you apply another layer to cover it, more layers of gel coat can be applied to get the desired amount of traction. The extra layers of gel coat will hide much or all of the glass pattern.

You have many options on grit, sand will take the skin off you feet or whatever part of your body comes in contact with it, but you will not ever slip on it. Fine sand is easier on skin, but there are much less aggressive grits too, Box stores carry some designed for paint, they will work fine. Do some testing if you're not sure on exactly what texture you want.

 

[studioq]

I was thinking of sand or one of the purpose made aggregates. I have a casting deck on the front that needs it as well as the deck area around and in front of the console. I'm not sure how many layers they used to get the 1/4 inch thickness (on average) on the deck - but this all gives me some great ideas. I'd like to get a texture that feels good on bare feet, but is secure with shoes on. What I didn't want was a finish that held dirt. I'd like to be able to hose it off with minimal scrubbing when it comes time to clean it.

 

[undone]

Cleaning a non skid surface can be a hassle, the waxed gel coat finish isn't as stain resistant as a mold finish, so it tend to hold dirt and stains a bit more, it may not be an issue, but can be. The other thing is try to match the grit color to the gel coat, regular sand has different colors in it, the darker ones will show up as black specks and make the surface look dirtier even if it's not.

 

[benjh1028]

Finishing veil

 

[jigngrub]

With any paint on deck finish it's all about the fairing and sanding before the paint goes on. Whatever your deck looks like before the paint goes down, that's what it's going to look like after the paint goes down too. Paint hides nothing and is even more likely to bring out imperfections that you didn't notice before the paint... one of the reasons carpeting is a popular deck finish choice for boats.

No matter what you finish your layups with, your deck should be faired and then sanded. Then inspected for imperfections and faired and sanded again if needed. Then primed and inspected and faired and sanded again if needed. Making a deck look good with paint on it is a lot of work... what color carpet do you like?

 

[studioq]

Making a deck look good with paint on it is a lot of work... what color carpet do you like?

Yep... Carpet isn't an option for me. I've seen some beatuiful work coming right out of the factory and I'll try to hold myself as close to that standard as possible. Hopefully years of drywall experience will help a little.

 

[Axkiker]

Yep... Carpet isn't an option for me. I've seen some beatuiful work coming right out of the factory and I'll try to hold myself as close to that standard as possible. Hopefully years of drywall experience will help a little.

This is exactly why I decided on snap in carpet. Still get the benefit of being able to wash down the inside with carpet is removed and it hides imperfections when installed.

 

[Auger01]

Kiwigrip should hide most minor imperfections