Tips for painting over 1700 fiberglass and Woven Roving

[ElHurrecan]

I am redoing the floor in my 15 foot boat and I am just beginning to lay down fiberglass. I chose to do 1700 biaxial fiberglass on the floor going up the sides a bit. The 1700 and epoxy combo lays really nice!

I'm debating on whether to keep the weave pattern or sand\fill it smooth. I kind of like the weave both for the design and non-stick. If I do choose to keep the weave how's the best way to prep it for painting as it does not look like paint will adhere to it well. Obviously a flat sander won't get into the crevices of the weave. The same goes for the woven roving on the sides, being roving there are a lot of crevices.

As an added question how difficult would it be to hide the weave pattern on the sides? How would you go about doing that.

 

[AShipShow]

Shouldn't need any prep other than a wipe down with acetone to remove any oils or dirt.

if you want to hide the pattern of the 1700 or roving I would mix up some thickened epoxy and trowel it on with a dry wall knife and sand it smooth

 

[Scott Danforth]

Epoxy fairing compound.....then sand smooth

 

[Woodonglass]

I agree with you... I LIKE the pattern and it does give a sort of textured finish. I'd just wipe it down with acetone and Paint it. What Paint are you using?

 

[kcon]

If you don't fair it you get a really low budget non skid texture lol. I didn't fair mine, gelcoated it, and can vouch you absolutely see every little detail and line from the fiberglass. (but i got carpet going over mine anyway)


Either which way, because you're painting over epoxy, I'd wash w/ acetone or soap/water hit it with 120 sandpaper, vacuum up dust, wipe with acetone, then paint. That will make sure it's nice and etched for the paint, and free of microscopic contaminants and amine blush. Should produce a nice and strong bond.