Buffing out Toplac

[Rob Hessenius]

I just finished putting my fourth coat of Toplac on my hull. I was wondering if anyone has buffed out Toplac. I have some fine to medium brush strokes still visible from 5' and in. I know some would say no big deal. I followed the directions to the letter. I had no more time to sand and apply a fifth coat. My questions are; First, can it be done. Second, how long should I wait for proper curing. Third, and if so, recommended products. I have used Brightside, Interthane, and Perfection before. This was my first attempt with Toplac. WIERD STUFF!!! I hope someone out there has done this procedure with Toplac and can give me some recommendations. Thanks in advance. Rob

 

[Badger N.H.]

I need that info too.

I'm about to paint my Catalina 27 with Toplac.There is a great artical about using Toplac in the "how to" section on the Interlux site http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/ as well as an informative data sheet with drying times on the Toplac page.5 coats sounds like way more than you need. You must have been trying cover up the mistakes from the first coat. 2 coats is supposed to be enough.I doubt if buffing would do anything but make it shiney and too much buffing might ruin the finish. I would think that the only way to remove the brush strokes would be sanding and painting one more coat using the "roll and tip" method discribed in the artical. Toplac is supposed to level itself out a lot better than Brightside.One tip someone else gave me is that thinning the paint with Brushing Liquid 333 is very important. I think how much to thin it depends on the temperature.Does anyone know what kind of wax or polish (if any) should be used over the paint?Badger

 

[Rob Hessenius]

Badger- I followed the instructions exactly. I have used Brightside, Interthane, and Easy-Poxy before. I did all my homework and prepped for a perfect finish. I used 333 in the right mixture. My problem was that the paint was kicking way to fast < 1 minute to be exact. I thought it would lay down, but it didnt to a mirror finish. I talked to a Interlux Rep, I was informed that there was a possible issue out there, he wanted batch #'s from the products.  BTW I painted a off- white to Med. White, you will need 3 coats. I put a fourth, because I had an extra can to burn. Dont get me wrong, my bought looks 1000% better now than before. Strokes are only visible from 3' and closer. I just had higher expectations of the product and of my workmanship. Thank you. Rob Hessenius

 

[Rob Hessenius]

The rep said , yes it can be buffed out after 30 days, but to be careful of wearing the paint out. I will try in mid summer on my transom first. If it works great. If it does not, anothe 10 hours of sanding and I will squirt the next coat. PS dont even let 216 within a mile of Toplac, talk out a quick reaction. If you have a problem 216 is the best stripper for Toplac. Rob Hessenius