Hello everyone, I ground and filled for blister repair on my 1975 Oday 27' last fall I'm going to be coating the bottom with epoxy (approx 10 mils) Bottom poxy, epoxy barrier coat, from West Marine. Over this I'll be applying VC17m extra, antifouling paint. My main Question is, what do I use to establish my waterline "line"? I know painters use a form of masking tape for paint, what works best for "epoxy"? Is there a special material/tape that I should be using and where do I find it? I want to protect my hull, AND keep the ascetics. Please help. I'm also using "vertglass" on the topside to restore the "luster" any comments on this product? Thank you
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Lots of options
I just completed my ODay 25 last year, so I can tell you what worked for me. You can use 3M's fine line series of tape, but its expensive or standard masking tape, except, epoxies will soak into the tape so they must be removed immediately,i.e., between coats. I found that vinyl electrical tape resisted the epoxy, and did just as good a job (for me at least) as the fine line. I used the electrical tape to form the initial waterline mark and then overwrapped it with 2" standard masking tape (blue type preferred) remove only the blue tape between coats. The next day you only have to quickly remask with blue tape and since you have the electrical tape marking the line, its not a big effort. Good luck.
I just completed my ODay 25 last year, so I can tell you what worked for me. You can use 3M's fine line series of tape, but its expensive or standard masking tape, except, epoxies will soak into the tape so they must be removed immediately,i.e., between coats. I found that vinyl electrical tape resisted the epoxy, and did just as good a job (for me at least) as the fine line. I used the electrical tape to form the initial waterline mark and then overwrapped it with 2" standard masking tape (blue type preferred) remove only the blue tape between coats. The next day you only have to quickly remask with blue tape and since you have the electrical tape marking the line, its not a big effort. Good luck.
Thanks
Thanks for the response Ed, I think I'll go with the fine line plastic tape, I appreciate the help.
Thanks for the response Ed, I think I'll go with the fine line plastic tape, I appreciate the help.
packing tape
use 2" blue masking tape to outline the waterline, then cover with 2" packing tape. the slick surface of the packing tape will not allow epoxy to bond. make sure to pull the tapes as soon as the epoxy kicks or you won't get a clean line. good luck, happy sailing
use 2" blue masking tape to outline the waterline, then cover with 2" packing tape. the slick surface of the packing tape will not allow epoxy to bond. make sure to pull the tapes as soon as the epoxy kicks or you won't get a clean line. good luck, happy sailing
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