RL

I wouldn't be looking forward to the sanding and polishing part of the job. Brings back lots of old memories.

glassdave

Its not to bad these days. i have done an entire 38 TopGun in a single day by myself. All color sanding is done dry with a DA and the results are fantastic. I can even imagine wet sanding a whole boat although i believe some of the big graphics guys still use a water bug.

RL

I've been away from the repair business since the end of '94, and I did very little boat work. Any "out of the mold" gelcoat spray work, regardless of delivery system, always ended up with "orange peel" even after the application of PVA as a top coat for curing. Have there been any industry changes or additives to help improve flow-out and reduce sanding?

glassdave

Are you refering to gel or paint? sounds like gel if thats the case i do all that sanding dry to break it than wet above 600. if i am spraying gel outside a mold i use Duratechs gloss additive, works great and you can spray with conventional spray equipment. In the mold the PVA/Partall system can give a mottled finish but i still use it occasionally. there are some great mold releases that probably leave a better finish but i havent used them as i am still a bit old school when it comes to that.

RL

Yeah, I was referring to gelcoat. In the mold, we always used the PVA for release on a well waxed surface, and normally had excellent results, but outside the mold I used the PVA on top to help promote the cure. I'm not familiar with the Duratech additive. Is it a newer product, or was I just missing something? Wouldn't have been the first time.

glassdave

yep, its an additive to help gel flow out. You also do not need to PVA it after spraying. fantastic results and makes sanding gel a breeze. Not sure how long its been around though.

redcorvetteman3

Hey glass Dave Great thread I have a question I have a 41 foot stinger that has painted graphics on the side. The problem is the white gelcoat on the sides, transom and the top deck is faded and a little chalky. There is not any clear on it now . What would be the easiest way to put the gloss back in the gell sand and buff ? or clear ? thanks

glassdave

Actually you might want to get ahold of Donnie at MarineClean here on the board. I know he has some great stuff and his oxidation removers and Leverage work well. I would hold off on the sanding till you hit it with a wheel real good. Use a wool pad, no foam on gel. That is truly your best best bet, if that dont work its paint time.

RL

Cool
Thanks for the input. Like I said, I've been away from that line of work for a long time, but I'm always interested in learning how products and techniques have changed. Never know when I might want to do something to my own boat.

MF

Hey Glassdave, we are all waiting for the cig 20 Thread !!!!