Advise needed for achieving a large smooth surface...

[TXPride]

Hello, I am a new poster to iboats, but have been following for quite some time, and have used the search function a lot for past problems.

After spending pretty much the entire day searching and researching different methods, I am confused at what my next step should be, and requesting info for the easiest/cheapest route that still gets good results.

I tore out all the rotted carpet from the rear and front decks and gunwales of my 18' center console boat (2000 VIP Baystealth). After hours of scraping and sanding, I finally got all the glue off and down to the fiberglass. I then was able to fill the bigger dibets/chunks that were in the fiberglass. I discovered that boat manufactures are able to skip smoothing and leveling surfaces when it is going to be carpeted, but now that I am wanting to paint I need a smooth level surface free of all the tiny or shallow pitted areas showing in the top layer of fiberglass.

I am hoping to go about this without adding more cloth or mat.

I originally thought that just my primer (Pettit Easypoxy white undercoater) would hide most of it, but after applying a quart I realized it wasn't going to work and I am probably skipping a step :facepalm:. Even some of the areas where matting is was still showing through.

So, will several coats of a high build primer such as Pettit Vivid Epoxy Marine Primer work for creating a smooth surface for a topside paint job in my situation (I will be using Pettit easypoxy single component polyurethane topside paint)? This would be the ideal route.

Or do I need a filler? If so, what would work for a reasonable price and a large area? I have seen a few brands/types mentioned but what specific kinds will work for such a large area? I assume I will need something with easy "spreadability" as well.

Another option I have seen tossed around is a polyester resin with chopped fiberglass and microbubbles. Any ideas on that? Will just polyester resin without the glass, layered up with a top layer with wax work?

Also, with any recommendations let me know if I will also have to sand off the existing paint that I applied.


Thanks in advance, and sorry about the long rookie question.

 

[ingalp01]

Re: Advise needed for achieving a large smooth surface...

How smooth do you want it?

I'm assuming if you're walking around on this surface, you would want some texture to it in order to provide some grip.

Pictures would be helpful, especially something low along the deck, so we can get an idea of how out of sorts the deck looks.

If it's not too bad, some high build primer and then some surface coats with sand, or some other traction providing material could hide the defects you are concerned about.

 

[TXPride]

Re: Advise needed for achieving a large smooth surface...

Thanks for the reply

I will be adding some texture to the high traffic areas on the front and rear deck, but that area is actually the only area that is already nice and smooth.

I would prefer a smooth enough surface for a semi-gloss topcoat on the rails, inside of sidewalls, and the "lip" where the deck meets the edge. (sorry if this is the wrong terminology).

I will try to get pictures up tomorrow

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Advise needed for achieving a large smooth surface...

The only way you can end up with a smooth surface under paint is start with a smooth surface. Primer is not a filler and in order to get smooth you will be painting with primer and sanding - many coats. And the paint will too thick to stay down very long.

Try sanding the deck as smooth as possible, get up all the carpet glue and go from there. Remember - paint does not hide.

 

[TXPride]

Re: Advise needed for achieving a large smooth surface...

A couple pics for reference.

 

[TXPride]

Re: Advise needed for achieving a large smooth surface...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Advise needed for achieving a large smooth surface...

First wash it ALL down with Acetone. Then, I'd mix up some poly resin and Q-cells to the consistency of mayonaise then add the appropriate amount of MEKP for a SLOW Set mix and then with a 6" Plastic putty knife, fill in all that mess. The Q-Cell mixture is Easy to sand and will take primer and paint readily.

 

[oops!]

Re: Advise needed for achieving a large smooth surface...

yeah,,,,,,,,uh,,,,,,if you want fiber glass to be super smooth.......you need to gellcoat it .. fair it and polish it........lots of work......

use a long board to get it smooth and flat.

no paint or primer in the world will fill fiberglass......you need to use the products made for that....woody's solution above will work. but with the paint you put over it.....everything will show......thats why gellcoat....it will go on thick enough to fair it flat and smooth.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Advise needed for achieving a large smooth surface...

I originally thought that just my primer (Pettit Easypoxy white undercoater) would hide most of it, but after applying a quart I realized it wasn't going to work and I am probably skipping a step :facepalm:. Even some of the areas where matting is was still showing through.

So, will several coats of a high build primer such as Pettit Vivid Epoxy Marine Primer work for creating a smooth surface for a topside paint job in my situation (I will be using Pettit easypoxy single component polyurethane topside paint)? This would be the ideal route.

Or do I need a filler? If so, what would work for a reasonable price and a large area? I have seen a few brands/types mentioned but what specific kinds will work for such a large area? I assume I will need something with easy "spreadability" as well.

Another option I have seen tossed around is a polyester resin with chopped fiberglass and microbubbles. Any ideas on that? Will just polyester resin without the glass, layered up with a top layer with wax work?

Also, with any recommendations let me know if I will also have to sand off the existing paint that I applied.


Thanks in advance, and sorry about the long rookie question.

If you already put non-poly on there like you suggested.. you might want to look into AwlFair . ( yes thats a 2 part filler/sandible filler ) and paint it.

Please dont start mixing up PB with CSM and bubbles..or Q cells.. it will get frickin rock hard before you know it and your fairing work will become Hard if you dont get on it tooth-sweet ..

In your situation I recommend this method .. ( from what I see and gather from your posts so far )

yeah,,,,,,,,uh,,,,,,if you want fiber glass to be super smooth.......you need to gellcoat it .. fair it and polish it........lots of work......

use a long board to get it smooth and flat.

no paint or primer in the world will fill fiberglass......you need to use the products made for that....woody's solution above will work. but with the paint you put over it.....everything will show......thats why gellcoat....it will go on thick enough to fair it flat and smooth.

Gelcoat will require proper prep and the outcome will look like a super smooth factory finish ( mirror finish like a "liner" that was installed ) .. much is required finishing a non-finished glassed substrate with gel.

YD.