I have a channel islands surftech. I was going to attempt to repaint the entire board a different color. I sanded it till it looked rough and than used some cheap spray paint like a dumbass. It didn’t work to good so I took it off with some mineral spirits. Anyway I like the sanded “flat” finish on it now so I think I’ll just leave it instead of attempting to paint it again.
Any advantages, like speed, to a glossy finish or sanded finish? What grit sand paper is commonly used for the final sanding? Also, any tips on painting would be appreciated, like what kind of paint to use and how to go about it. Thanks a lot.
I’m sure it could be argued that a glossy finish is faster than sanded… though I don’t think it’s anything you’re going to actually notice.
Sanded coat vs. Gloss is a matter of preference. Gloss is heavier and brittle, but more protection, better shine and weight might be something you’re looking for on a longboard. They also require a lot of practice to get good. The speedcoats are thin (less protection) but light and easy to put on. There are some that can be buffed out pretty nice.
I glossed a shorty or two when I was beginning. I don’t like it, the rails are too slippery on steep takeoffs. Not to mention the extra weight, and brittle nature of gloss. I use the speed coats on all shortboards, but I still put gloss on my bigger boards… including a 6’6 single fin I just finished, so it’s not necessarily the size, but the type of board, and how you will ride it.
I usually sand out my shortboards to 220, maybe 320 on a good day. Gloss coats should be taken to at least 600, then rubing compound, then polishing stuff, lots of elbow grease, etc.
Next time you want to paint a board, don’t “sand till it looks rough”. Instead, sand till it FEELS smooth. Unless you like the rough paint look. Try an airbrush, or atleast an acrylic spray.
Try it again: sanding it smooth, and get some decent paint… make sure to spray over that Surftech logo. I couldn’t resist.