[other tom]

I've done more than a few projects, and over the years, what I've found best, is to use Awgrip in lighter colors. Do all your normal prep work and priming with finish primer like 545. sand to a perfect 220 grit finish. Then roll out and tip (large areas) or brush (smaller areas) the surface in full gloss. Let it cure for at least 30 hours. Mask off the areas to be non-skid (most jobs leave gloss around the edges and around hardware in a 3/4" band which happens to be the width of the widest Scotch "fineline" tape). If you have tight radius corners, use a razor knife to cut the edges. Sand the area to get non-skid with 220 grit dry then acetone wash to remove residue and any oils. Mix up the awlgrip. For rolling, use the slow dry reducer (T003 I think). Mix in 15% (by volume) Griptex fine and 15% (by volume) Griptex course non-skid particles. Add 25% (by volume) Flattening agent, then thin again with the reducer to get to the right consistency for rolling. Use a fine, short nap roller - 3" wide, (pink color from WEST), and roll in a uniform direction. You will need to add reducer as you go depending upon the heat and humidity. You may need to tip it with a good 2" brush or use a smaller brush for tough areas. Concept is to use the first gloss coat to cover, and then thin and flatten the non-skid coat to flow and hide any roller or brush marks. Then, 4 - 5 hours after rolling, pull the tape off. If yo wait, it will get harder and maybe pull the edge depending upon how thick you applied near the tape edge. This will give you an absolutely perfect result that will not chip (and show old subsurface) and be easy to clean up after fishing. Too much griptex or non-skid and you will be wearing the tops of the particles off and it won't fully cure. This is not the cheapest (materials-wise) method, but is the best possible result and doesn't require spray equipment. I am going to help a buddy do his cockpit and coaming on a 35' Egg Harbor that is currently gelcoat, I will try to shoot some digital pics before and after (and during) next week.

[ May 16, 2003, 01:40 PM: Message edited by: other tom ]