Lowering the seat on my rib and geeting a good finish on gel coat

two stroke mick · 17 August 2016, 09:13

While my rib is in dry dock I took the notion to reduce the height of my seat from 500mm to 450mm. This work was carried to accomdate the coastal pro seat which should have a mounting height of 440mm. I tried using black paint to make the joint look good but it came out like a dogs dinner. I am seeking guidance on how to finish this project and have a good result.

two stroke mick · 17 August 2016, 09:15

The joints of particular concern are the long ones on easch side of the seat. I assume use flow coat and sand and polish. However what work do I need to carry out before the flow coat?

TSM

C-NUMB · 18 August 2016, 19:27

Is the top of the seat(the brown part) already fixed to the base or is it still loose?

two stroke mick · 18 August 2016, 21:35

I have the brown timber top glassed in place

Tsm

gtflash · 18 August 2016, 21:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-NUMB

Is the top of the seat(the brown part) already fixed to the base or is it still loose?

What he said^^^^^^^

If it's already joined, did you use polyester resin? If so sand with 60/80 grit. Wash off with acetone, of your not fussed about finish then topcoat it. If you are. Fill and sand. Wipe with acetone and then ready for topcoat. If you want a smooth finish it looks like there is some work to do.

If it's not joined. Make a new flat panel on ur wife's bathroom mirror.

C-NUMB · 19 August 2016, 13:04

I would mask and then use lightweight polyester putty to fill before sanding( just like gt flash says), its probably easier that way. A nice finish with polyester topcoat, that's possible but incredibly labor intense, hate to work with it...Would probably roll and tip paint the whole seat with 2K PU paint(but I tend to overdo things anyway

)

jeffstevens763@g · 19 August 2016, 15:03

i asked this the other day pikey dave came back with use gel-coat and cover it with parcel tape so it cures then go through the stages of sanding down you should get a perfect finish lot of work though mick for a perfect finish.

cheers

two stroke mick · 19 August 2016, 16:23

Thanks all for the replies. I knew therewas a reason for putting this job off for the last 2 years

tsm

gtflash · 21 August 2016, 10:22

If the seat is going on top of it, why not mask off a very neat line all the way around it once it is sanded a bit in 60/80. Then use a roller and put gel top coat on, a couple of costs will colour it all. Use a smooth fluffy small roller (bandq orange ones work). The finish will not be perfect but it will have a reasonably uniform pattern a bit like a non slip. As soon as the coats are rollered on remove masking tape and although it won't look like a mirror the neat tape line will make it look intended. Even manufacturers of ribs seem to do this sometimes on transoms when they chop them down.

I've attached an example, not great quality. And not my work.

gtflash · 21 August 2016, 10:23

This is finish I get on a flat surface with one of those rollers

gtflash · 21 August 2016, 10:25

Sorry

gtflash · 21 August 2016, 10:27

And if you like carefully on top edge of my seat you may see there is a tape line for exactly that reason. It's like a border around seat entrance