Painting SMC and polishing gelcoat?

[MMor101]

I plan on doing some paint work over the winter on my blaster. The gelcoat is pretty faded and the hood has many chips. I know the hood is just painted SMC while the hull is gelcoated fiberglass. I plan on polishing the hull and repaint the hood. What should I use to polish the gelcoat and paint the hood. How should I prep the hood for paint?

 

[chad]

I plan on doing some paint work over the winter on my blaster. The gelcoat is pretty faded and the hood has many chips. I know the hood is just painted SMC while the hull is gelcoated fiberglass. I plan on polishing the hull and repaint the hood. What should I use to polish the gelcoat and paint the hood. How should I prep the hood for paint?

depending on how faded your gel coat is .. I would start with 800 grit and work up to 1500 (make sure you keep the areas real wet )

3M makes some great buffing compounds, I have also used mcguires with good results. use compound and a buffer. and get your buff on.

Preping for paint... I think you sand with 320 grit and then prime/paint

I am in the process of doing this to a blue Superjet. let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[chad]

buffed

 

[nightrider05]

On all of my ski's I used a very mild rubbing compound and variable speed buffer. Takes a little bit of work but it will come out looking like new. I start out with the rubbing compound and go over the whole ski..don't speed through this because this is what will make it shine again. After the compound I see if all the oxidation and scratches are out, and either go to paint cleaner or polish..Then after that it gets a good coat of Nano Wax.

 

[MMor101]

depending on how faded your gel coat is .. I would start with 800 grit and work up to 1500 (make sure you keep the areas real wet )

3M makes some great buffing compounds, I have also used mcguires with good results. use compound and a buffer. and get your buff on.

Preping for paint... I think you sand with 320 grit and then prime/paint

I am in the process of doing this to a blue Superjet. let me know if you have any other questions.

Sounds good, what type of paint should I use with SMC. Needs to be rattlecan, I dont have a paint gun.

 

[chad]

I would think an epoxy base would be your best bet.

Be sure to post pics of your build!

Good luck

 

[aqua]

the boat guys use a buffing compound called aqua buff.

 

[WFO Speedracer]

Aqua-buff is great but it is very fine,3m heavy duty compound will cut the rough stuff and 3m finess it will polish it up nicely.

 

[WDKfan]

I prefer 3m, my local napa has both the heavy compound and the finess