Hey everyone, I’m new to this forum and am hoping I can get some advice from you guys on here. Picked up this sweet Jeff Mccalum fish on marketplace for $200. Previous owner had applied several layers of spray paint because he didn’t like his wax melting caused by the black lamination. I was able to remove the paint with acetone but once I got down to the lamination I noticed that he had sanded really heavy to prep this board for paint. There were various areas with deep scratches and some burn throughs especially on the beveled rails, beak nose, and swallow tail. My main concerns are 1. Making sure this board is waterproof before getting it in the water. 2. Hiding the appearance of burn throughs and any other scuffs scratches. From my research on here I considered applying a new hot coat but I have no experience and feel like I would somehow botch it. I also read about applying Behr acrylic sealer which I feel like would be more doable or even rattle can clear coat. I’ve already prepped most of this board with 220 grit sand. How would you guys recommend proceeding? If I do apply the sealer or clear coat will the scratches go away? Or should I try to buff the scratches out and then go in with the sealer? Thanks so much!
so long as its scratches and not residue or contaminate another fill/hot coat would cover all the scratches. Im always amazed by how the fill coat makes everything so smooth and fills up scratches. Another fill coat should work. Put it on thin.
It might be worth wiping down with some solvent like denatured alcohol or acetone before hot coating to prevent fish eyes. Hot coat will make it feel good and cover the scratches, and will also bring back some of the color. But, the scratches will still be visible. On the bright side, it just gives it character. Looks like a fun board
Wipe it down with styrene. Looks too dry to go completely away. I would probably try wiping those spots with pigment or paint before hotcoat.
Beer Acrylic sealer is probably the easiest option. You can apply several thin coats and it will hide the weave well. Don’t go too thick and lightly sand between coats. I usually apply two coats but you can do more depending on the need. Take it for a surf, put it in the sun and look for bubbles. If none then you are good. If you see bubbles let it dry out and apply another coat. It’s easier than another hot coat especially if you haven’t done much resin work and less sanding.
Behr tile sealer. I think I heard myself somewhere in that post. aka; “Secret Sauce”. Haven’t been in a Fiberglass Hawaii in a few years, but remember seeing plastic bottles labeled as such in the former Santa Barbara store. Bought a bottle once. Milky looking acrylic. Later used some on a new floor construction project and realized they were one and the same. At least in the nature of the same product if not the same name.
Yes same for me, acrylic varnish is white in bottles but dry clear. Sell to seal porous materials: cement, wood etc… or as clear finish over paint. Waterbase, low smell, low voc go everywhere.