MadMat

Cuda, what kind of finish is left on the gel with the wet sandblasting?

cuda

I just went out and ran my calibrated finger tips over where I sandblasted. I'd say about like 220 grit sandpaper.

MadMat

Been thinking about this again, I keep putting off actually doing anything. Once I've got a nice 220 grit finish, what's the easiest way to bring the finish back? I really am not up for wetsanding the whole hull by hand with 400, 600, 800, 1200, 2000 and buffing, I'd be ready for retirement by the time it's finished. Is there any mechanical method of avoiding all the manual wet sanding?

Gofastboater45

A guy that had a big boat with w/bottom paint, once told me he had his "water line" paint removed by a guy that used EZ Off oven cleaner, some scraping, then wet sanding with 220 & it worked pretty good. Have no idea if the surface was prepped prior to the bottom painting, also dont know if its true or not....dont have any first hand experience with bottom paint. Just relating what may be a big fish story...

cuda

I'd get it to about 220, then I'd paint the thing with polyurethane if it's not staying in the water. I was just now out in the garage looking at the 20 footer and thinking about the bottom. I think I'm just going to roll on the paint. You'd be amazed at how well this paint rolls out. It looks like crap right when you roll it, but it flattens itself out amazingly well.

muffman

It took me 31 hours of wet sanding to get this finish and the gel coat lived. I used fiberglass paint stripper first and then sanded what was left with 600,800,1000,1500,2000 grit and then buffed and waxed.

MadMat

I have a lot respect for that, it's one hell of a job to do well.

I sent a couple of mails to international paints, they are suggesting that their 2-pack perfection product would be suitable. http://www.yachtpaint.com/uk//produc...ePageID=3303#1

I can't see myself having time to do it this winter, but I want to make sure that anything I do fits in with part of the 'master plan', I hate not doing the job right and having to do it again.

CMG

save your money and time! Soda blast - period. I did once and tried different types of strippers, they all suck.

MadMat

For me, my concern is that since the gel was prepared by sanding it, I want to lightly erode the surface so that all the antifoul in the surface scratches comes off completely, plus I bet they used a grade too rough. So by wet blasting and eroding the gel slightly, it'll take it back to pure, virginal gel that is in a good state. Am i on the right lines?