Time between sanding the surface and applying paint?

[KesselRunner]

Hi!

This is probably a really trivial question but I'm about to start my first paint job on the boat I've been restoring for the last year and a half and I really want to result to be as durable as can be.

How far in advance of painting can I do the sanding of the surface? Does sanding of the surface a day, week or month in advance have any meaningful effect on how well the paint, both primer and topcoat keys into the surface? Obviously cleaning the surface with acetone would take place right before starting to paint no matter what.

Appreciate any thoughts on this!

 

[tpenfield]

The short answer is no, there should not be a difference, but the longer the time, the more dust could collect on the sanded surface.

Get the sanded surface very clean, then use a tack cloth right before painting.

 

[Scott Danforth]

fiberglass, wood, or aluminum?

on aluminum, the surface oxides almost immediately, so you want to sand, etch, and prime on the same day

wood, sanding opens pores and you want to get primer on quickly

fiberglass, you can have a surface sanded for a bit without worry.

just make sure to clean the surfaces

 

[KesselRunner]

It's fiberglass!

Thank you both very much for the replies!