Wetsanding nearing completion

[JasonJ]

As Kelton can attest, wetsanding gelcoat is very fun, and is highly recommended for anyone who is bored or masocistic. I am about 3/4 done with the wetsanding/polishing of the hull. As can be seen in the pic, the hull was so oxidized that there was no shine on the sides and top. The bottom is fine, so it will only need to be waxed. I am farther along than this pic, I just snapped it for a comparison. I was originally going to pain the hull, but decided to try to shine it instead. There are scratches and all of that, but I am not concerned with it. Its a fishing boat, it doesn't have to be perfect, just has to look good from 30 feet away. I am also painting a bit of graphics on the sides just to break up that expanse of tan and to hide where the old graphics were. I was able to get the old graphics off with a propane torch, but even after polishing the graphic location can still be seen.<br /><br />I have been fairly busy on it, with instaling the fishfinder, the grabrail for the windshield, and other little odds and ends. Just biding my time 'til the water is up. Temps have been in the 60s, it has been great.<br /><br />

 

[johnnybigrigger]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

ZZZZZZZZ

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

Aint it great to be young and energetic???

 

[KeltonKrew]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

Damn, Jason...get after it.....I only had to do a 13' boat.....can't imagine one bigger (although mine is a dinghy on most large boats)

 

[Craig W]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

Hey Jason, I've got a 20' bowrider that'll need some sanding TLC to bring back it's shine, interested? (I can even throw in a case of beer ) LOL, by the time I finally get to worrying about the finish on my Father in law's boat I'll be into my "reserve" ambition (just laid the carpet on the floor of both boats today)<br /><br />You're work continues to be an inspiration. Lookin good!

 

[johnnybigrigger]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

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[JasonJ]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

Johnny, I did not try the other compound. I had some sandpaper laying around and thought I would give it a shot, and now its close to being done. I have the sides masked and ready to paint the graphics and manufacturer name on, and after that I'll have a days worth of wetsanding/polishing left on some interior glass.

 

[johnnybigrigger]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

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[play2win]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

Hello gentlemen, I'm glad to see that I have been gone a month, and things remain the same....the controversy brews over wet-sanding!! I have shifted all of my interest towards my transom, floor, stringers, etc. Much of the material is ready to go on, just waiting for weather to cooperate two consecutive days on weekend, this next one might be it, cant wait to go Epoxy crazy! So, have we come up with a group answer to resolve faded gelcoat? JBR, I'm assuming I was the individual who you were mentioning that blew $100 on supplies. Jason, I'll have send you some updated pics (smaller resolution). Until next time gentlemen, take care

 

[johnnybigrigger]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

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[Ryoken]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

hey johnny,<br /><br />i got mine waiting for the next oxidize gig! who knows tho, could be a month or 2 before i can use em. i'm playing with all big, fresh gel and paint gigs right now.. and i'm leary about using them on fresh gel. tho i'll see how it cuts the oxidize and maybe incorporate them into future gel work...<br /><br />might have a front deck of a Sportbridge in a month or 2. wants new nonskid runners, so i'll buff the center deck and new nonskid down the sides for him...<br /><br />and i just bought a 1/2 dozen new 2+2 pads

 

[johnnybigrigger]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

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[JasonJ]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

Johnny, it sounds like an interesting method. I don't have enough left to do to warrant tracking down and buying the bars, but I will keep it in mind for the next project, or if someone I know wants a polishing. My other situation is I do not own an electric polisher, and can't justify buying one just for this project. Too many other places for the cash to go to.

 

[johnnybigrigger]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

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[BMDODGE]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

JBR - e-mail me the pic's ( if you can ..) i'd be interested in seeing how it came out - getting ready to tackle my 88' stingray . right now it's chaulk red and ivory looking - it should be red/white!!! - thanks bruce<br />i - deleted e-mail address and just sent you one JBR

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

Johhny, I appreciate what you are saying, but I am feeling like I am supposed to go and spend X dollars on something that I have no real need for. Yeah, at the beginning of the wetsanding I may have considered it, but at this point I will not do it. I have no need for a polisher, and I am not going to buy one for a days worth of work. I am sure your technique works good, the concept is sound, but I think you may be turning people off with the intensity of your desire for us to try it. It is not fair to infer that we are obstinate or stuck in the stone ages because we won't try this technique. At the end of the day, people will do what they are going to do, and there is little anyone can do about it. Give advice, and move on. I am sure someone will give it a shot and report back with the success or failure, but let the rest just do things their way. We all have our reasons for doings what we do. Me, it's simple economics. Peace....

 

[johnnybigrigger]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

If you did your boat by hand....my hat is off to you. I guess I did it again.....

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Wetsanding nearing completion

Its all good Johnny. I will be keeping the technique in mind for future reference...