Top of transom

Kernow Buoy · 02 February 2011, 22:51

My Rib has had its transom cut down by a previous owner to take a L shaft engine (assume it came XL from the factory) the top of the transom and an area about 4" deep around have been painted and left with a rough finish which has begun to discolour, I've sanded the paint off the back to reveal a smooth still white gelcoat finish but as I'm sanding the top edge I'm beginning to reveal what I think is the actual fibreglass. When I've got the top smooth I'd like to put a top coat back on to protect the glass and to make it look as it should. Looking at previous threads it would seem that flowcoat is the way to go? if so paint on, sand, paint until happy with finish, or should I be using something else (I'm rubbish with gelcoat!

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biffer · 03 February 2011, 08:37

you've got it right, add wax to your gell otherwise it will stay sticky

Kernow Buoy · 03 February 2011, 10:36

Thanks biffer, is the wax the additive in 2 part?

Downhilldai · 03 February 2011, 19:13

Go to a GRP works with 2 jars (eg jam jar and a mustard jar) and ask them for a drop of white flowcoat and some activator. Lob the boy a couple of quid for his trouble. (I know that bit will hurt, particularly in the close season)

You won't need much to coat the top of the transom - no point in buying a load of the stuff unless you have a use for it, 'cos it won't last for ever in the pot.

Mask off the area you're coating to give you a nice clean edge where the flowcoat covers the gelcoat.

Wear some disposable gloves and use a cheap brush, which you can throw away after you've finished.

Proper job!

martini · 03 February 2011, 19:22

Give the surface a good key before you start, minimum 100 grit I read somewhere once

Erin · 03 February 2011, 22:23

And if you want a smooth surface, it's worth laying a piece of polythene over the gelcoat afterwards and smoothing it out with a spatula. Once dry, the poly should peel off and give a good finish. Might need to do a trial run first and maybe need to wax the poly a bit to make sure it releases.

Downhilldai · 03 February 2011, 23:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

And if you want a smooth surface, it's worth laying a piece of polythene over the gelcoat afterwards and smoothing it out with a spatula. Once dry, the poly should peel off and give a good finish. Might need to do a trial run first and maybe need to wax the poly a bit to make sure it releases.

Good point, but let's not forget this is a £2k Ribtec.

Kernow Buoy · 04 February 2011, 08:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Good point, but let's not forget this is a £20k Ribtec.