SoCal Jet Boats

Tech Talk => Gelcoat / Paint / Fireberglass Repair => Topic started by: stc315 on July 19, 2012, 01:52:40 PM

Title: Sander question
Post by: stc315 on July 19, 2012, 01:52:40 PM
I got severely oxidized gelcoat and when I used pressure washer to strip old clear coat off, it made swirl marks in gel. I'm planning to sand it down and buff it out. I was thinking of starting with 320 and working up to 1200 or so. My question is can I get away with using a orbital palm sander? Or should I break down and buy a random orbit sander? I'd prefer to use a DA, but my compressor just won't run one for any length of time. They are air hogs!!!
Title: Re: Sander question
Post by: mobboss on July 19, 2012, 02:47:53 PM
ok wait!  are you gonna try to buff the gell coat or spray a new clear coat? guess im not under standing?  if all your doing is just sanding it down to paint it again yah any sander will work, if your sanding to buff no by hand and id start with 600. wet or dry.
Title: Re: Sander question
Post by: ka0tyk on July 19, 2012, 04:22:37 PM
*I* would personally stay away from any machine to do your wetsanding.  the risk of removing too much material is pretty high, especially on a corner or rounded edge.  it'll suck when your boat is all shiney and theres a nice spot where you went through the gelcoat. 

if anything id block sand with some wet 600-800 and move up from there.  make sure you have a DA with rubbing compound handy. 
Title: Re: Sander question
Post by: stc315 on July 19, 2012, 08:18:26 PM
I have 7" polisher. It works pretty good on cutting. Swirls are deep but luckily only on dark blue. Stripes are ok. Was mostly needing to sand out swirling.

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Title: Re: Sander question
Post by: IRRebel on July 19, 2012, 08:24:30 PM
For working on paint or ESPECIALLY gel, This little guy is what you want!

(https://www.socaljetboats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi673.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv95%2FIrrebel%2FHutchins.jpg&hash=2a9e4c70a7d9bace8a1654fc6f7ffd87da7211bb)

It's a Hutchins water bug. Air operated, and has built in garden hose conection/regulator! make quick work out of it!  ;)

Bought this puppy for RJ! He ain't seen it yet.   :thumbup:
Title: Re: Sander question
Post by: 82daytona on July 20, 2012, 05:08:54 AM
Use your hands
Title: Re: Sander question
Post by: flathammered on July 20, 2012, 07:27:17 AM
where did you pick that sander up at i want one :thumbup:
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