Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

New here -- Question about clear gel coat - Sanding and buffing

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic31283.aspx

By mym3 - 12/14/2018 12:29:21 AM

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 Smile Thanks in advance
By mym3 - 12/15/2018 1:12:51 AM

 
Hanaldo - 12/14/2018 9:07:41 PM
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.

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 to rock on Tuesday.  Thanks again for your help.