Need Help With Finishing 3M 5200

[seadoggie]

I recently added 3M 5200 to a few defects at the keel/fiberglass interface, and need some ideas on getting a smooth surface. When applying, I used a little of the solvent to smooth the surface as much as possible while "wet". This stuff is not easy to work with, especially on a 50 degree day. It was a major effort just getting it out of the tube. After waiting a week, I returned to sand the areas smooth. This is some tough stuff to sand. I used 60 grit on a rotary sander, and wasn't able to do much. Any other ideas? Many thanks, Eric

 

[Bill Roosa]

Hey SEadoggie
Hate to tell you but fairing compound 5200 ain't. It is an adhesive and not designed for sanding/finishing after hardening. I'd try a knife or sharp chisel to shave of the high spots.