Fairing out or sanding down deck for paint & Non-skid Application

[BTF112989]

Hi everyone,

I am wanting to freshen the old boat up a little bit this summer with some interior additions. The previous owner moved the console to within 4' of the transom, so I am wanting to move that forward, then apply paint and kiwi grip to the deck. My problem is that the previous owner redid the decks by fiberglassing over the plywood decks, then laying down a rough layer of fiberglass mat and painting over it with bilge paint. The result is a fairly rough (deep) surface that is still very slick when wet due to the paint over it.

I want a smooth deck that is painted or gel coated, then kiwi gripped. Am I better off fairing the deck out with filler, then sanding smooth? Some places are up to 3/8" of rise and all between the chunks of fiberglass mat.

Or should I start by sanding down the whole deck to get it less bumpy, then fair out and sand again? This method would require less filler material.

Any suggestions on filler materials and paint for the deck before I apply the kiwi grip?

Thanks,
Ben

[jdupree]

There should be some instructions that came with the Kiwigrip.  If I remember correctly, I ruffed up the deck with 80 grit and then wiped clean with acetone.  The Kiwigrip will do a great job hiding imperfections based on its thickness.

I would not go to much trouble preparing the deck cosmetically for Kiwigrip.  Just make sure you have everything filled that is needed and sanded out level to the rest of the deck.  It should come out nice if applied correctly.

[BTF112989]

Okay. Thanks for the reply.  I was wanting to tape off some areas on the deck where the white paint could show through the kiwi grip. Not a full teak decking seam line pattern, but just a few accent lines and around the hatches. Is there a decent paint for this? The uniformity and look of the white deck lines(showing through the kiwi grip)was my concern with the deck being textured by the fiberglass mat.

So based on what you are saying, sand down the high points on the decks, add filler, sand smooth, lay down some deck paint, then kiwi grip over it?

I'm wondering if the deck paint is even worth it?

Thanks,
Ben

[jdupree]

The Kiwigrip is very thick.  I had cosmetic "spider webs" on the deck from the gel coat "crazing" and you never knew that they were there.  If you do tape any areas off, make sure that you pull the tape up while the Kiwigrip is still wet.  If you let it dry on the tape it is a "bear" to get up.  Put it down with a big brush then use the roller they supplied to get the desired texture.

Not seeing your deck, you might need 2 coats to completely cover up imperfections if any.   

[BTF112989]

Okay. Thanks! I will remember to pull the tape up while wet. What is the working time and application coverage of kiwi-grip? Will I have to do the deck in sections?

Do you have a suggestion for a deck filler that will cover imperfections and is able to be sanded down?

I'll try and get a picture of my deck texture currently to show you what I'm talking about.

Thanks for answering my continuous questions!

[jdupree]

I would apply the Kiwigrip on an overcast day.  If you apply it in the sun you will have to move very quickly.  I would apply in small sections since you will need to roll to the desired texture.  Once you start with the roller you will get the "feel" for how it goes on.  The more you roll in one spot the more "texture" you will have and the less you roll in one spot will be less "texture".

Once you get going with it, you will get the "right feel"

[Pro Marine Supplies]

To answer your question about the type of fairing compound to use APF 7 from Axxon works very. It will adhere to either epoxy of polyester resin so you don't have to be concerned about what the prior owner used. APF 7 can be used above and below the water, it mixes like auto body filler, and setup in about 15 to 20 minutes ready to sand. Before applying prep surface by sanding with 80 grit and wipe with acetone. Great product we used a lot of it when we were in the custom fiberglass business. Hope this helps. Mike

[Shine]

So based on what you are saying, sand down the high points on the decks, add filler, sand smooth, lay down some deck paint, then kiwi grip over it?

that is exactly how I would do it. 

Another option is to use the kiwigrip as the "Paint", roll it on with a cigar style (flat) roller cover and it will go on with a very light texture, you can then tape over it to mark off the real non-skid areas.  I have had more than one customer do this with good results, a couple of them took the Kiwigrip all the way up the sides.

joel

[tufflife2]

my 2 cents. I agree with what you are both saying but you are missing a few steps. you have to sand the high spot on the deck and create a clean surface which to adhear to. Second apply any fairing compound, Alxex seal, Awlgrip etc. there are two  kinds of fairing compounds. One you trowl on deck the other you spray. What ever one you go with depends on how flat you sand the deck. Remember on the Kiwi you do not apply to the entire deck, it should not cover 100% of your deck. You need to put water ways in it. That means you take 1" to 2" tape around the edges of everything around the boat deck. Then may even make block sections pateren on the open deck. Were the water ways are you need to finished first and painted before you put down the Kiwi.

Hope this helps, John

[tufflife2]

here is another option for you. Once you sand the deck down come back with gelcoat with wax in it. You want to thicken the gelcoat with Q-cell, cabocel what ever your local fiberglass supplier has. Just ask them and they will help. After sanding the gelcoat you may need to still fair it depending on how good you at sanding. If your surface is good and flat you can now spray a sanding primer like awlgrip 545. once sanded you can paint, spray or roll and tip, 3 layers for your water ways. then apply Kiwi grip.

John