What surface filler

[Frank mellin]

Having stripped back the planking above water line on my folkboat all of which is in excellent condition, have applied coat of primer which shows up lots of small blemishes
I need to fill all and then sand back to smooth finish before repriming.
Can anyone suggest an easy sanding one part filler that will give a fine fill.

 

[Sumara of Weymouth]

Hi Frank, If you really need a single pack then I have found Epifanes Combi to be adequate. However, my favourite fine surface filler is one made by Bonda called FEW which stands for Fine, Elastic, White. It is a two pack filler. It normally comes with a red catalyst so you can ensure a really good mix but if you need to use it between white top coats you can also get a white catalyst. It sands beautifully and the surface is so smooth that it can even be used between gloss top coats without showing. It is a polyester filler and seems to stay put. I've no connection with them, just like the product.

 

[fisherman]

After trying micro ballons and another lightweight filler powder and epoxy, I went back to talcum and polyester. The epoxy dragged, didn't go off for many hours, but the talc based was fine and smooth and easier to apply, went off in >30mins.
I though it was just me and epoxy, but I tried it many times with great care. Seems to me you need too much microballoons before the mix is stiff enough to apply without sagging.
I have badly opened seams due to the heatwave and boat on the trailer, Seaware sold me Epiphanes combi, knife applied for above WL. Haven't tried it yet.