Glassing a deck question

Discussion in 'Boat Yard Basics' started by flaco, Feb 1, 2011.

  1. Feb 1, 2011 #1
    flaco

    flaco Well-Known Member

    52
    0
    331
    So I've got a new project I'm working on and I'm trying to save some time and sanity by keeping my grinding to a minimum. The existing deck has got some flex in it, and I was looking to lay a few layers of cloth over it to stiffen it up. My question is, do I need to COMPLETELY remove the existing gel coat/paint (not sure which one) before I lay up the new glass?

    I was also considering covering the existing deck with 1/4" plywood encapsulated in epoxy (for both stiffness and looks). If I just use epoxy adhesive over the existing gel/paint to bond the plywood to it, will it stick, or do I still need to grind the deck first?

    Thanks in advance.
     
    flaco, Feb 1, 2011
    flaco, Feb 1, 2011
  3. Feb 1, 2011 #2
    Brett

    Brett > PRO STAFF <

    7,316
    29
    1,903
    I wouldn't attempt to 'glass or bond to existing gelcoat or paint.
    I sand off the existing finish back to bare 'glass/resin,
    then start with repairs or modifications.
    I've seen the results when 'glass is laminated over existing finishes.
    Separation, cracking, peeling...not good.
     
    Brett, Feb 1, 2011
    Brett, Feb 1, 2011

  5. Feb 1, 2011 #3
    flaco

    flaco Well-Known Member

    52
    0
    331
    OK, thanks a lot for answering that for me. Just one more question though.
    What tools do you use for this?
    I have tried in the past:

    4" grinder - tears through way too fast

    6" disk sander - better, but still I end up with a lot of pits and low spots/uneven finish

    Palm sander - Waaaay too slow

    Do I just have no skillz?



     
    flaco, Feb 1, 2011
    flaco, Feb 1, 2011
  6. Feb 1, 2011 #4
    Brett

    Brett > PRO STAFF <

    7,316
    29
    1,903
    I used a cheap pneumatic with wet/dry paper and running water.
    Water kept the paper clean, moved the dust from under the sander
    without putting dust in the air so no respirator or tyvek suit needed.
     
    Brett, Feb 1, 2011
    Brett, Feb 1, 2011
  7. Feb 1, 2011 #5
    johnfaris3

    johnfaris3 I Love microskiff.com!

    49
    1
    331
    This was from a past issue of West System Epoxyworks:

    http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/document.do?docId=370&title=Preparing+laminates+-+West+System
     
    johnfaris3, Feb 1, 2011
    johnfaris3, Feb 1, 2011
  8. Feb 4, 2011 #6
    sjd0004

    sjd0004 I Love microskiff.com!

    29
    0
    331
    I thought wet sanding was only for fine grit papers. How does that work with something like 120?
     
    sjd0004, Feb 4, 2011
    sjd0004, Feb 4, 2011
  9. Feb 4, 2011 #7
    Brett

    Brett > PRO STAFF <

    7,316
    29
    1,903
    Wet/Dry is available all the way down to 60 grit.
    Running water keeps the old paint and gelcoat dust
    from clogging the paper, so the paper cuts better and longer.


    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006M2TJC/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=hi&psc=1
     
    Brett, Feb 4, 2011
    Brett, Feb 4, 2011
Loading...
Similar Threads Forum Date
Can I get away with fiberglassing the outside? Boat Yard Basics Feb 28, 2017
Glassing Floor Question Boat Yard Basics Sep 1, 2016
Fiberglassing Boat Yard Basics Mar 27, 2016
Fiberglassing how to questions... General Discussion Mar 15, 2012
Alternate to fiberglassing.... General Discussion Apr 10, 2009