A few paint prep questions??
 

Just curious as to what grits to use to start prepping boat for paint. What length of block to use on sides and grit. Also what kind of DA sander to use(rpm, size, brand, etc..). Looking for any and all suggestions. Thanks

Whats on your boat now? Gel or paint? Faded? Changing color? I need more info and i can tell you exactly what to use and do.

It really depends on what you need to do before painting.

If you need to do body repairs then you will need to rough up those areas a bit more first.

Then as far as what grit you are going to use for paint could vary what you need to use also. Metallic and pearls usually get sanded a little finer. Also are you going to wet sand? or are you going to do a spray & let lay?? In my shop I have a grit range from 36 - 2000, So the grit's will vary.

Which sander, style & length depends on what you are sanding for, if it is body work and you are leveling, a block or board may be appropriate, if it is just for paint or primer adhesion then a d/a could suffice.

:) Jamie / Lakeside

Thanks guys for the replys! My buddy ItsPeanut was asking since he will be flying up in the end of February to help get my Scout ready for paint!

Boat: It is white gel coat with painted on graphics. No clear coat. The graphics were layed on pretty heavy.. You can catch the edges with a fingernail. The plan is to paint the boat all white for now. I will have some one do the final prep, Spray, and Finish work I believe. I have not chosen a type/brand of paint. However I am open to suggestions.

Sanding Supplies: For Air tools I have a cheep 6" DA from harbor freight. I also purchased a 8" Mud Hog from IR. For foam blocks I purchased.. One 30" long block.

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/dura...0-p-16007.aspx

And an assortment of blocks in this next link....

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/dura...t-p-11890.aspx

As for Sandpaper, I currently have...
Single rolls of sticky back paper for the blocks in 36, 80, 180 grit.
Sticky back 8" rounds for the mud hog in 36 & 80
Sticky back long strips of 36 & 80

So, I guess, what am I missing? I know I need finer but dont want to buy the store out..........:) What will I use the most of? Should I be reluctant to use the DA or Mud Hog? What are the pitfalls to using the air tools? Since there will be two of us, should I buy another 30" long block?

Also, what type of fairing filler should I use on the hull sides and top deck? The boat does have alot of Matt through. Its similar to an eighties Cig. I have been using the epoxy based filler on the stress cracks, dash, and where I used any epoxy. The stuff works good but takes 3+ hours to dry. I heard that there is some vinyl ester/polyester fairing compound that cures quicker? Any thoughts on what I should use? Whats is superior?

Thanks for all the help!!!
Jr.

That grit will get you started for the body work & get you up to laying in a primer coat that you can sand depending on which one you want to use and what paint you will be using. Otherwise you may need to go a little finer yet before priming.

You will still need to go up to at least about 320 or 400 if you are not going to be using metallics or pearls. If you are going to use a pearl you may want to consider 400-600 before painting.

Then for finish wet sanding after you paint, if you are planning to do any, or the paint products you are using allow for it you will need finer grits then too. But you could hang loose on that for now.

As far as the filler, the epoxy is the best to use IMO on the bigger or deeper fills. However I use it still on many smaller ones too as it shrinks and cracks less from what I have seen. However the 3m marine filler is good too and I have & do use it at times, but mainly for small tiny fills and very light fairing. I would not tho try to mix the 2 on a fill. ;)

Hope it helps... :)
Jamie / Lakeside

Cool project by the way :)