I would like to have a board done with a black bottom and rails. What are the pros and cons of resin tinting vs. airbrushing black? Is fadeing more of a concern with one technique more than the other? Thanks, Rob Olliges
Hey Rob, I’m sure you have you reasons for black. It would be my last choice because it absorbs heat so readily and gets extremely hot even with the slightest amount of sun exposure, which is an inconvience and has to shorten the life of the board. Mahalo, Rich
…Also causes major,rapid delamination.Herb
I live in Massachusetts. The majority of our surfing is done in cold to frigid conditions. It’s really not a problem. If it is airbrushed will if fade over time (assuming miminal exposure to the sun in any temperature). Thanks, Rob Olliges
One disadvantage of black lam is difficulty trying to find the tape line when trimming the overlap.
You can do it sixties style if you wish.It will add some weight so I am talking about retro style longboards.Glass,hotcoat and sand as normal…go up to 120 grit.Tape off bottom as if you were gonna gloss but mix black pigment with gloss resin.Pull the tape when it kicks…flip it over and tape off the lap line,use a rail tool marker.Now gloss the rail with the black gloss pigment mix.Pull the tape and sand the black panels with 220 grit by hand to dull the wax.Lay down a pin next to the lap line if you wish.Finally gloss the board and polish as normal.This produces a very rich deep black gloss and is beautiful to look at but as da boys say you are asking for trouble with heat and scratches really show up.The original Noll Da Cat boards were done in this method…I re-polished one a few years ago. R. Brucker
I’ve got a Yater with black rails and bottom. It’s an remake of an old school spoon that Lauran made . I pick my days to use it. Foggy days are good , but if the sun is out , it’s right back in the board bag after surfing. It get’s bloody hot!