120grit or 220grit

[Ed Houston]

I am at the final sanding stage of my (winter project) Prospector Ranger would it be advisable to sand with 220, Canoe craft says to use 120 it would seem to me that a better finish would be posible with 220.

Any Ideas comments or concerns will be appreciated.

Ed Houston

[JimND]

All the information I have seen from epoxy companies recommends 120 grit as the finest, most would like to see 80 grit. I would suggest not using finer than 120. By the time the wood is covered with fiberglass and epoxy, the buildup is so thick that what grit sandpaper you used, within reason, is almost immaterial cosmetically. So go with the heavier grit to get a better bond.

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Hi Ed,
One thing I am going to do is, wet the hull to raise the grain prior to final sanding.
220 might be finer than you need to go, but you will be able to tell after a few minutes of sanding.
Being a first time boat builder, I had this grand illusion that I was not going to need any filler at all, just a quick sanding to fair the hull. Well. I guess it doesn't hurt to set your sights high. It looks like I am going to have to become a master of camoflage.

[ChipSandresky]

I am at the final sanding stage of my (winter project) Prospector Ranger would it be advisable to sand with 220, Canoe craft says to use 120 it would seem to me that a better finish would be posible with 220.

Any Ideas comments or concerns will be appreciated.

West suggests 80 grit. See Surface Preparation at http://www.westsystem.com/frames/tier2/ ... manual.htm You will not get adhesion problems if you go beyond that. You may find that 120 is far enough. Use the sanding just to remove crossgrain scratches and tool marks. As mentioned earlier; the difference between 120 and 220 will not be noticeable under all that glass.

Chip
http://www.LorettaAndChip.com