sanding between bottom coats?

[Jim]

Hi all,I'm planning to put three coats of ablative bottom paint this year, and see how that works through next winters wet storage.My question is...is it better to put them all on while the lower coat is still tacky, or should I let each coat dry? And if I let it dry, should I lightly sand between coats? Thanks for the help.Jim

 

[Roger Fleming]

3 Coats?

I would question the wisdom of using 3 coats. The better ablatives (Micron Extra, etc.) are rated for multi-years out of the can. My experience has been one end of the hull is dry by the time I get to the other end. For sure do not dry sand the bottom without respritory protection the particulate from sanding is very toxic.

 

[Peter]

sanding between

What does the manufacturer say? Last year I moved to a Petit ablative. It recommended 2 coats, no sanding in between, but if I recall at least 9 hours between coats...that's what I did, and the paint's held very well. I wouldn't do 3 coats...but maybe a 3rd at the bow, waterline and keel...but that may be a little much too.