BoatworksToday · video

What this video covers

Fairing a fiberglass surface for a high-gloss paint finish requires a multi-stage process of filling, sanding, and chasing pinholes. Andy of Boatworks Today uses an electric dual-action sander with 80-grit paper to knock down high points on fiberglass panels, checking for flatness with a straightedge and marking contact points.5:36 For fine-tuning, he employs an electric longboard sander, which spans larger areas to prevent dips and wobbles that would otherwise be visible under high-gloss paint.9:23 To identify remaining imperfections, he applies a uniform coat of primer, which reveals tiny pinholes.11:01 He emphasizes that pinholes must be filled by working compound into the surface from multiple directions to ensure complete coverage.15:06 Because sanding often exposes new pinholes, the process frequently requires four to seven rounds of filling and sanding.16:57 He recommends sticking to a single manufacturer’s product line—in this case, transitioning from TotalBoat to Alexio—to maintain warranty and technical support eligibility.14:09 Diligent surface preparation accounts for 95% of the total painting project time.17:28

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