Sanding, sanding and more sanding. Spreading on the glazing and sanding it off and repeat. We are getting close to adding more layers of epoxy... the last layers. I'm trying to make sure the hull is a smooth as possible so these last layers really go on smooth. The finish should only require some light palm sanding prior to paint.
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| Slowly moving over the hull adding a skim coat of glazing. You can see the raw application that looks pale yellow awaiting sanding. Above that is where I have finished sanding. In the foreground where I have not yet applied the glazing you can readily see what I'm trying to do. The rough sanding left the high parts looking dusty white while the low parts are still a bit shiny or darker. These are the areas I'm targeting with the glazing. |
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| Moving on to the bow section. You can get an idea of how thick this glazing is although its fairly transparent when thin. Small scratches and dings fill easily and require very little sanding. Larger dimples and grooves require a little more sanding but it goes pretty quickly. Sanding with a palm sander is such a pleasure after that heavy belt sander. It just takes time and patience but almost no effort. It's almost like meditating. If your in a hurry, you should not be building a boat. |
The glazing is the two part product that I mentioned before. I've had additional issues with not getting enough of the cream hardener mixed and ended up having to redo another section. I've sense learned that almost any cream hardener designed for plastic filler (glazing or filler like Bondo) will work. I bought some at a local auto parts store that sells paint and body working supplies. It was a red cream hardener made by Bondo (a 3M company). It worked very well. The red was very intense and I was able to get a much better sense of the mixing proportions. Plus I can add more than needed without fear of running out. Basically, I use about 120-140% of what I think it needs and it works out pretty good. This doesn't even seem to shorten the pot life any so there really is no down side. I purchased a third gallon of this glazing and to my surprise it came with an extra 1 oz tube of cream hardener. What's more, this cream hardener was brilliant blue and acted very similar to the red Bondo product. It was almost like they read my mind. If I need a fourth gallon (hopefully not) I'll toss the pale blue hardener in favor of the locally purchased red stuff. It just makes it easier and less stress.
I've scheduled the next boat work day on October 6. We'll roll on one layer of epoxy over the glazing and then put on two additional coats with West System 422 barrier coat additive. This additive is designed to help make polyurethane more water resistant and durable. The epoxy I'm using is already much more water resistant than polyurethane but it's not that expensive and the added abrasion resistance should come in handy.
After October 6, the hull will need a light sanding. I plan on having another work day where we get about 5 people over with palm sanders and spend a few hours knocking it out. Then the hull should be ready for a quick coat of paint before we flip her around. We are certainly on schedule for completing this flip by the end of the year. Then we start on the inside. Stay tuned.
