[Rhodes22-list] Bill about prep before painting...

[Tootle]

Bill,

Keep in mind there are some very experienced boat fixer uppers on this
forum, specifically, Lou Rosenberg.

As to the small blisters, they need to be ground out early in the process. 
If you have not done so already, they need to be first on list.  The
professional guys use Dremel tools and air powered grinders.  I used a
special grinding bit on a heavy duty variable speed drill.  The proper bit
makes a big difference in time.

I recommend a filler by 'West Marine' followed by a fairing compound. 
Although I never found it written, I belive that their filler is a vinal
ester stuff.  It sticks like fresh dog shit on sneakers. Only mix very small
batches as it sets up very fast.  Then fair the spot and use a fairing
compound to smooth more.  

80 grit works well for the fairing.  I also used some finer grits.  I use a
5" Porter Cable professional orbital sander.  It is worth the $150 because
it get the job done, and done well. 

I am familiar with the 202.  But before you get to the 202, wash with water
or as discussed with Mike W a plain soap.  The object is to get rid of the
acidic reside from the blisters and from the fiberglass.  It is that acidic
leaching from the fiberglass that causes blisters.  Moisture pentrates thru
gel coat into the FRP and combines with unbound chemicals to form that
acidic reside.  

You mentioned interlux products.  While they are good, they are pricey.  I
used alternatives on a boat that I rebuilt (not a R22) that required
extensive uses of epoxy, sealers and paint.  Note that the interlux filler
has a bad reputation in these parts.  It is said to soften after time.

While Don Casey's books are good, West System has a good publication on
blister repair.  And there are other sources of good information.

Also whenever sanding this stuff have your white suit on and respirator on. 
If you are careful, you can get several uses out of the white suit.

Ed K
Greenville, SC, USA
addendum:
“Being a disinterested government official does not mean that you know what
you are doing. That fact gets left out of the equation in a lot of proposals
for new government programs.”  Thomas Sowell

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