Random orbital sander will do the job or????

[Karnic]

Hi Guys
Will using a random orbital sander on a brand new hull in order to get a key for antifouling preparation do the job?
Afraid will damage the hull . What grade of sandpaper shall i use?
Ideas please.

 

[CLB]

ROS will be fine but be careful you don't go over the anti foul line. I have used 80 grade when I have done it by hand in the past. You won't damage the hull.

 

[sarabande]

read up on "tie coats" before you apply AF directly to gel coat.


e.g. Jotun's Vinyl Primer.

https://www.smlmarinepaints.co.uk/primers/single_pack/vinyl_primer It bonds very well to gel/epoxy finishes.



(No affiliation, BTW, just satisfied customer.)

 

[PCUK]

I'd suggest 320 grit and a foam backing pad.

 

[beltsandbraces]

80 grit sounds very harsh I would use red scotchbrite pads

 

[CX54WEK]

We used 240 grit on ours.

 

[CLB]

80 grit sounds very harsh I would use red scotchbrite pads

yes, my mistake. It was 180 that I used. Still grittier than other suggestions but it was perfectly OK.

 

[Karnic]

thanks a lot guys. boat is an 18 foot boat. i know it is tedious jobs but by hand will be ok what you think? Also how deep should i sand in order to get a good key for the paint to adhere perfectly? help please.

 

[Karnic]

yes, my mistake. It was 180 that I used. Still grittier than other suggestions but it was perfectly OK.

thanks a lot guys. boat is an 18 foot boat. i know it is tedious jobs but by hand will be ok what you think? Also how deep should i sand in order to get a good key for the paint to adhere perfectly? help please.
Read more at http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...sander-will-do-the-job-or#Otek8ykd5vbkFlXy.99

 

[SAMYL]

thanks a lot guys. boat is an 18 foot boat. i know it is tedious jobs but by hand will be ok what you think? Also how deep should i sand in order to get a good key for the paint to adhere perfectly? help please.
Read more at http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...sander-will-do-the-job-or#Otek8ykd5vbkFlXy.99

Just enough to take the shine off. Don't go deep.
As others suggest read up on priming coats for your chosen antifoul.

 

[itchenseadog]

As someone who used to do this sort of thing for a living, I would recommend using a ROS with 180 discs. Sand back just enough to take off the shine from the gelcoat. Wipe over with a degreaser turning the cloth frequently to remove any traces of release wax then prime as per the paint specification.