I wouldn't worry about another couple weeks. They usually recommend sanding with 80 grit paper, but you should find the paint you will use and get the tech sheet on it. Most manufactures have these on the internet now. The paint itself might not have it as they usually assume that the paint is being applied by a professional that has done it many times.DrV wrote:..two questions remain:
1. when you say "You need to lightly sand the bottom" - do I get it right that I can do it myself with sandpaper (no need for sandblaster)?
2. What do you think - would it make any difference if I slip the boat to brackish waters for another 2 weeks to only after that, during Fall, to start drying, sanding, painting, etc. (I think no problem, just unsure, need advice. Now I feel abit like when I bought my first car, and didn't know much, and asked many naive questions...)
You are not sanding that hard and you will know when you are there....
http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... de-39.html
...as you will see the sand scratches and the gel coat will become dull like above.
Be sure and wipe the boat down good with a wax and grease remover before sanding. Wipe it on with a saturated paper towel and wipe it off with a different paper towel. Don't let it dry on. This step is important otherwise you can sand wax or other contaminates into the gel coat and that will interfere with the paint adhesion.
After you finish sanding wipe the area to be painted down again with the wax/grease remover using again one towel to apply it and another to take it off before painting. The paint supplier will have a wax/grease remover.
Good luck,
Sum
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