can little scratches be filled with something?

General Discussion
1

Hello all-

I am just about to finish sand my first board. It looks great but there are a few spots that have nicks and scratches from hand tools. These spots I think may be too deep to sand out. Will they show when I have the board glassed? Can I fill these little places with something before I finish sand? Will a tint help to cover? All and all I am super stoked with the board. Thanks for the help

2

Tints tend to highlight any surface flaw (more resin the in low spots concentrates the color).

Sand the blank with a soft-pad and 220 screen to get out the scatches, and whatever holes remain can be filled. Lightweight spackle’s probably the best thing- just squeegee a bit in, let it dry (and shrink) and repeat till filled. Tints will also highlight spackle, though- it’ll be lighter colored (less absorbent than the surrounding foam).

3

Thank you for the advice. I turned out I was able to sand out the nicks without jeopardizing my desired dimensions. it came out real nice!!

4

I only went to 120 grit. Should I go any further with my sanding? Thanks

5

120 should be fine. I use a soft foam pad with a piece of 220 screen tack-glued to it to give a blank a final once-over “polish” if its going to be tinted or airbrushed.