Bottom Sanding With Buffer + 3M Finesse-It

[Ducati]

I was power buffing/waxing the gelcoat and by accident touched the rudder with the spinning buffing pad. When I looked at where the buffer hit I noticed that it was just as smooth as wet sanding.

Anyone ever try to smooth/sand the boat hull with a buffer and using 3M Finesse-It-II?

Note, I use Baltoplate as an antifoul.

Comments?

 

[Ted]

I use to wet sand my bottom paint with 400 grit paper and then buff it to a mirror finish with a power buffing wheel and compound. At the time I was using VC Offshore which is a relatively hard bottom paint similar to Baltoplate. I would recommend sanding it first to get rid of any orange peel before buffing because buffing will only make the surface smooth and doesn't get rid of surface irregularities and imperfections.

 

[kenn]

Anyone ever try to smooth/sand the boat hull with a buffer and using 3M Finesse-It-II?

it's probably like using Oil of Olay on your bum

But of course serious racers (eg Solings) always have fully polished hulls, including the bottom. If you're going to be covering the hull bottom with barrier coat and/or anti-fouling, you can probably get a smooth enough finish on the bottom by wet-sanding with 400 and 1000 paper.

Also, Finesse-It might leave a residue that paint won't stick to.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Finese it is a fine compound will help make the gel shine. You do have to wash it off before applying wax or paint as it does leave a compound residue.

dave condon