Gel Coat Prep

I don't know where to start! I have alot of sanding to do!
Applying the gel coat was not a bad job. I used the gel gun with a #6 nozzle. I did try thinning a pint at one point and putting through the auto spray gun and did not like that at all. I liked working with the gel "unthinned" with the gel gun. Does it go on smooth? No, but it does go on thick and it does dry quickly. I was more concerned about getting it on and having it cure correctly than I was about it being exceptionally smooth. It has to be sanded anyways.
The only frustrating part for me was that the air compressor could not keep up because my hose developed a leak. I mixed half pints, sprayed it on, unplugged the hose and had to wait for the air compressor to "catch up". Yeah, that was bad!

Michelle,

What grit paper do you start with? How long does it have to cure before starting? You ever wet sand before? Lots more fun to come!
It looks great.   

62 wood wrote: Michelle, What grit paper do you start with? How long does it have to cure before starting? You ever wet sand before? Lots more fun to come! It looks great.

Thanks Steve,
Per Fibreglasts's instructions, I am to use 600 dry, then 600 wet. Depending on what it looks like after using the 600, I may use a finer grit. It has to cure 24-36 hours. Yes, I have wet sanded. I enjoy that. In the last 2 pictures I posted, you can see the wax. I was told it had something to do with the "cure". I'm curious what purpose it has.

Can't start sanding till Monday.

8122pbrainard wrote: Michelle, you can learn something every day of your life and still die stupid!!

LOL, I like that, Pete! Yes, it'll be sanding time for a while. I have a huge stash on hand in different grits. I am excited. It's on - it's gelled! No major mishaps, just a little frustration!

Wow that looks great. I really appreciate you posting all the pictures.

Hi Mike,
Don't short change yourself - you could do it. I am proof that anyone can. Just a "want" I guess.Tyvek? LOL...I looked like a teletubby.
Wacko, I'll keep the pictures coming as I move along. Now, on to step 101!
Chelle'

Michelle,
I "finish" my wet sanding (on car paint) with a paint stir stick, cut to about 4", and wrapped with 1000, 1200, ect, grit. That gives you a light "finger-touch". Altho you probably dont have to get that fine with the gel.

Like pete says, start on the bottom to get the feel for how its going to sand, keep the block parallel to the curvature of the hull, and sand in opposing 45 degree angles, making an "x" pattern. Also, make as long of strokes as possible.(ok Hollywood,jump in here!) I also like to hold the block towards the ends by my finger tips to let it swivel with the curves. You dont need to put a lot of force on the block... let the sandpaper do the work.

Occasionally dry the area and look for shiney spots...those are the "low" areas of the orange peel that still need sanding. When the hull is completely dull ,your there and ready for buffing.

I dont mean to bore you if you know this already....too many people just jump in and sand hap-hazardly. Everyone probably has a little different technique... this works for me...hope it will help?

Good Luck and keep the pics coming!

Great job Michelle. How about a picture and more info on the gun you used? Check out these sanders- the waterbug 3 models under the heading water sanders and marine
http://www.hutchinsmfg.com/
not sure your compressor could keep up tho and I have seen them for around $250.

Steve,
Thanks for the sanding tips. Bottom first. That way no one will see if I screw up.
Michelle

Pete's rotary dial office phone takes a few days to process the "text" message.

62 wood wrote: Michelle, I "finish" my wet stick, about 4", and wrapped. That light "finger-touch" you get on the bottom to feel the curvature in an "x" pattern. Also, make as long of strokes as possible. I also like to hold the tip to let it swivel with the curves. You dont need a lot of force. I dont mean to bore you if you know this already.... Everyone probably has a little different technique... this works for me...

Chelle,
Way to go !! Looks Kick-A$$... Can't wait to see the pics once sanded and buffed.. You're on your way. Nice job..

Moj'

sanity wrote: what was I doing the first time you met me?

I believe Blink had brought you to the ski club.
We were having a beer up in the pavilion and you were on the dock fishing. We were admiring your gathering skills. You were gutting fish with your bare hands and teeth. Blink looked at me and said she hunts too. I was like, dude, she's a keeper.......

Michelle I have been following your restoration and slowly acquiring the supplies to do mine. Just a question about guns. Now that you have sprayed yours would you have benefitted by the 8 quart gravity feed attachment(I have a shop compressor that can keep up) or is that to much product to handle at once.
Still love that colour!!!