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New here -- Question about clear gel coat - Sanding and buffing
New here -- Question about clear gel coat - Sanding and buffing
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New here -- Question about clear gel coat - Sanding and buffing
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mym3
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mym3
posted 7 Years Ago
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I'm pretty new here and I got a question. First I want to say I've learned a lot and been browsing all the questions and answers people have and learned so much in so little time from it. I'm pretty new to infusion (this is my first piece I've made) but have made some fiberglass stuff in the past where the gel coat surface I didn't have to worry about having the mirror finish. I have a couple gallons of clear gel coat and I want to use it for some personal projects but having a sanding issue. I decided to just make a test mold to make sure I got the process down before I tackle something more complicated. So I choose a random tray I had sitting around. I've sanded it down to 2000 grit and buffed it with geez.. 4 different types of buffing compound and I still have sand marks. I've used even up to high cut compound by meguiers which is a 12 and their highest cutting compound and still have them. All the way down to a show room glaze compound. Really just to see what would work best. I've used 3 different types of foam pads and wool pads and still.. It was very hard to take pictures of it so I tried my best. The first picture is of the sand marks. I have to bounce the light off them for the camera to pic them up.
The part looks good from a little farther away but I can see the sand marks. I only buffed the flat surface of it so far so and ran into the problem. I take it out in the sun and you really can't see them but I put it under my LED lights I have in my garage and they just pop out at ya.
Also here is a picture of my setup and what I have tried without good results in my eyes. I've tried everything that I have already to make it work. Before people just say to clear coat it.. Well.. I have this gel coat and it's new stock and I want to learn it all including using the clear gel. I've showed it to people and most can't notice when it is outside or under normal lights. They see it under the LED and they can. Am I just being to hard on myself or is just the LED lights picking up every imperfection better than normal light? Are there better products or pads or just about anything to make this easier? Kinda lost right now on my next step to get the sand marks out. Any suggestions would be appreciated
Thanks in advance
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7 Years Ago by
mym3
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New here -- Question about clear gel coat - Sanding and buffing
mym3
-
7 Years Ago
Alright did a couple other tests.. I had another smaller tray mold which I didn't sand the mold, nor sanded the part. It does still mimic the surface of the original tray so it has very very small...
mym3
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7 Years Ago
Really a bit tricky to answer. For one, not all gel coats have excellent gloss or polishing characteristics, some will only ever reach a reasonable gloss. Two, 2000 grit isnt actually all that fine ...
Hanaldo
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7 Years Ago
Good advice.. I'll get some higher grit paper and start from there. What gradual steps do you do? From 2000 that I used what grit will you go to next? 2500? 3000?
mym3
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7 Years Ago
Yep; 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000. Sanding at 90 degrees to the last grit each time so that I can see any heavier scratches still remaining.
Hanaldo
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7 Years Ago
Perfect! Thank you very much I will get the paper I need and with a little patience I should be fine. This is a UV vinyl ester gel coat. Hope it shines nicely. I ordered my paper so should be ready t...
mym3
-
7 Years Ago
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