Prekote & Toplac Questions...

[Rudderman]

I'm applying white prekote and toplac to an epoxy cloth sheathed hull (all done by brush)<br />I have one coat of prekote applied by brush (Badger brush) and it was next to impossible to get the streaks out.....what am I doin wrong? Should I sand the streaks out before I put on the second coat of prekote, or sand it afterwards?

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Prekote & Toplac Questions...

prekote is used as primer... you dont need to worry bout the streaks. <br /><br />sand it a lil bit between coats with some medium paper, maybe 150 or 220 frit, and re aplly it again.<br /><br />when i did my boat, 14 foot aluminum, i did 2 coats or "pre kote" and 3 layers of "toplac deep blue"

 

[petrolhead]

Re: Prekote & Toplac Questions...

Dave, I'd say you should roll it on, you'll get a much better finish. Streaks in the primer "may" show through the topcoat, use the roll & tip method for the topcoat, it'll look almost as good as a sprayed finish.

 

[Rudderman]

Re: Prekote & Toplac Questions...

Thanks, I tried a mohair roller for the primer and its the bee's knees...

 

[petrolhead]

Re: Prekote & Toplac Questions...

The really short nap foam rollers seem to give the best results, intended for gloss paint they soak up less so less waste too.

 

[Rudderman]

Re: Prekote & Toplac Questions...

Yep, I gave a foam roller a try too and the results were pretty much the same as the mohair one....for the primer anyway.

 

[Rudderman]

Re: Prekote & Toplac Questions...

Well, I just applied the first coat of toplac and it has turned out a bit ripply. Even after using a roller and a €30 badger brush to tip it off, it didn't flow out as well as I had expected. <br />Definately nowhere near a "sprayed look".

 

[petrolhead]

Re: Prekote & Toplac Questions...

I can only think you may have tried to apply too much paint in one coat, as with spraying, several thin coats are much better.<br />Wait until it's dry, wet sand to remove the ripples and try again, using the short nap foam roller and just enough paint to cover. To get a really nice job you'll probably need 4 or 5 coats.<br />I wonder if you may have been a bit heavy handed with the brush? You should barely touch the paint with it, just drag it across sufficient to pop any bubbles. If the brush picks up paint on more than 1/2" from the tip you're going too hard. You need to keep it clean too so dip it in thinner regularly, otherwise it'll start to drag the paint.

 

[Rudderman]

Re: Prekote & Toplac Questions...

Hmmm....it says to use no.1 thinners but I don't have any and its a 1 1/2 hour drive to the paint shop where they have the international stuff. oops.