Chris
Scott is right on!
In this case, grinding the deck and trying to smooth it out would be shooting from the hip and not a good decision here. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
Lets face it, there is no easy way out when it comes to any major boat repair. You can “Gun Deck” it or “Do it Right” the first time [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I think you can get your deck in ship shape yourself with just a little planning up front and take your time.
First I would choose a good two part marine paint that can be brushed or rolled on as well as sprayed. “Fellowship” has done an excellent job on his boat with Sterling brand using the brush and tip method. Both Awlgrip and Imron can be brushed or rolled with the proper mixture. I used
Signature Finish, which is Acrylic Urethane Enamel, which requires no primer! Assuming your deck has no soft spots underneath and is ready to go, I would purchase a 2-part epoxy-patching compound like “Fasco Fas-tone” You can patch all the nicks, scratches and spider cracks. It’s ready to sand in a few hours. I think your boat being a ’76 the deck is well worn and the sheen on the gel coat is gone, therefore heavy sanding would not be required. I would probably paint the inner liner first. If just doing the deck, then I would wash it thoroughly after the patching and light sanding is completed. Next I would wipe the deck with acetone and mask off the sides and around the console etc. thus preventing splattering. I would then roll out a coat of paint on the entire deck. The next step would be to get the ½” 3M brand blue #471 plastic tape as Scott mentioned. You can make nice curves as well as straight lines and carefully mask all areas that you don’t want the non-skid. Then you need to rub the tape well using soft tee shirt material and your finger to ensure the edges are tight to the deck. This will prevent the paint from seeping underneath. Take your time and run the tape down the old lines maintaining the original non-skid pattern. Now your ready to go! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
Mix your paint according to the manufacture’s directions and add the grit. I think a 50/50 mix of coarse and fine is sufficient. Be sure to add the grit to the paint; don’t sprinkle it on! I used the following mixture: 8-2-4-2 (8 parts paint, 2 parts catalyst, 4 parts thinner/brushing fluid, 2 parts grit). The mixture can be brushed on heavy using a throw away brush. Brush on approx 2’x2’ area at a time. Then come back with the “lift loop” roller, I posted a pic in a previously thread, and smooth out your paint. Then do another section each time rolling back over the section you rolled out before. This will prevent overlapped marks. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] You will be surprised how nice it comes out! [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] The initial prep is the toughest part. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] Anytime you get a ding you can just mix a small amount and do a quick repair. You can email me if you have more questions or want further detail. Good Luck!
Sorry everyone for the long post. I hope the advice helps. I’m sure other CSC members who have done this like “Fellowship” & "Trayder" can give some very good pointers also. Good Luck! [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]