Basic filler,sealing and primer question from a newbie

[Neil JohnParticipant @neiljohn68016]

Hello,

Apologies, I realise that this has been asked and answered before but I seem to be confusing myself.

I am building an old Billing boats model; the Banckert. It is not going into the water but going to sit with the Zwarte Zee on the shelf. The Zwarte Zee was an ABS hull but the Banckert is wooden. I have completed the planking of the hull which I am relatively happy with.

However there are a few areas that need some filler. I am using Model Lite filler.

Would you recommend sealing the hull before using or after using filler?

I am wondering do you have to seal the filler before spraying primer? I would be using Sand 'n' Seal.

I have got myself in a muddle and confused so thought I should summon the courage to ask such a basic question?

I have just subscribed and been going through the back issues and going through the forum. WOW! Its a whole new world for me. I'm afraid I may catch the bug!

Thanks in anticipation

[Neil JohnParticipant @neiljohn68016]

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Hi Neil,

Welcome to the forum. Yes, do the filling and get the hull smooth before using the Sand 'n Seal. Then use primer.

Colin

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

If you think about it, if you use the Sand 'n' Seal first the filler will not have as good a key into the surface when you are initially filling the larger gaps and low areas. So, as Colin says, do all the filling and sanding back to a smooth finish then put the Sand 'n' Seal over the filler to iron out the minor imperfections.

Don't forget to always use a block to support the sandpaper otherwise, if you hold it in your hands, your fingers will follow the contours and you will never get a smooth finish. If you are after a perfect surface, when you have finished give the hull a very light dusting of a different colour spray. So light it doesn't actually cover it. Then, if you give it a final rub with very fine Wet or Dry paper again held on a block, any low areas will stand out that might need a little bit more Sand 'n' Seal applying.

[Neil JohnParticipant @neiljohn68016]

Thankyou both – I was thinking along the lines of Colin but made that rookie mistake of not using a block to support the sandpaper!

Thought I was being more gentle but makes perfect sense using a sanding block now. Such a simple mistake – Thankyou very much. Hope you can imagine my groan and smile of realisation!

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Don’t forget that primer or under coats are basically liquid fillers, and should be almost sanded off before applying the final undercoat (this final undercoat simply being a base for the topcoat colour).

A good thick undercoat is handy for filling hairline depressions if you want a mirror finish.

Ashley

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