Hi all. I'm building my first ever canoe and hoping for some advice. I recently finished fiberglass/epoxy (West System) the hull. Ended up with a fair bit of runs so sanded down after 3rd coat. Then added a 4th and 5th coat. Then sanded again with 80 -> 120 -> 220. However, still getting some areas where there are low spots that are very glassy from un-sanded epoxy that kind of stand out. Question is, will those go away when I varnish? they disappear when the hull is wet (after wiping off the sanding dust) but reappear when it dries. Trying to decide if I want try to put a 6th layer of epoxy on. Don't really feel I can sand it down more as I'm getting some areas where I'm getting to the weave. Thoughts?
Secondary question. How fine do you sand to prior to varnish? I made a paddle without varnish and was able to buff the epoxy to a high gloss and I like that look - is that more a matter of the type of varnish I choose (gloss or matte)?
exterior hull finishing question
Re: exterior hull finishing question
Hi Peter
Those shiny areas don't fill good, unless they are sanded.
If you are not getting into the weave of the cloth ? Keep sanding.
Staple holes are notoriously hard to fill.
Jim
Those shiny areas don't fill good, unless they are sanded.
If you are not getting into the weave of the cloth ? Keep sanding.
Staple holes are notoriously hard to fill.
Jim
Keep your paddle wet and your seat dry!