Semi confused Ref: Gelcoat Looking for guidence

[Trooper Steve]

I've separated the top and bottom of my 17' boat for my restoration project and I just gel-coated the top. I sprayed the Duratec thinned gel-coat (1 part Duratec to 2 parts gel-coat) using a dump gun. I've got quite a bit of orange peel, which I expected having read numerous posts. What I'm looking for is some guidance with the sanding process. Specifically what grit paper to start and finish with and what product/s to buff and polish. I have an air file, DA and a long board. Not worried about sweat equity, just want to make sure I'm doing it the right way for a quality finish:redface: Thanx!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Semi confused Ref: Gelcoat Looking for guidence

I start with 180 grit, then move up to 320 grit, then 600 wet/dry on to 1000 wet/dry, then up to 1500 wet/dry then polish. DA and long board work well for the first two, then hand sand for the rest prior to moving on to polisher

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Semi confused Ref: Gelcoat Looking for guidence

The starting point is determined by the amount of orange peel.

Use 320 on a DA and do a 1'X1' area and start using finer grits each time up to about 800, then buff it and see how it looks. If you still see scratches, sand with 1000 and buff again, do this with finer grits each time until you are satisfied with the results. After you get the 1'X1' area looking good you?ll know what will work on the rest of the boat.

I say stop at 800 and buff because every gel coat and custom mix of thinners and additives will be different, sometimes you can sand 600 grit scratches out easily, and other times you may need to go to 1500. You may also be able to start with 400 grit instead of 320, try it and see.

 

[oops!]

Re: Semi confused Ref: Gelcoat Looking for guidence

the above is correct

click the link in my sig.........use the index......gellcoating the boat.......about 5 pages are on sanding the gellcoat....you will see what you are looking for.

an air file might chew thru the gell even at 600////leave it on the shelf

 

[Trooper Steve]

Re: Semi confused Ref: Gelcoat Looking for guidence

Thank you very much for the feedback!! Especially OOPS and ONDARVER. You guys in particular gave me the motivation to start this project in the first place!!! As soon as I figure how to get my pics down to size for this forum I will post them. (Read the info on how to post pics and I'm still confused)

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Semi confused Ref: Gelcoat Looking for guidence

TS, send me a PM if you need assistance with posting your pics. Be glad to help