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Exile · 13-05-2014, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by minaret

Basically, yes. Awlgrip/Griptex is easy to repair, if done properly. Also easy to maintain, easy to apply, durable, attractive, etc etc.

This could very well be the long-term answer for my own boat as well. You've pretty much sold me on maintaining my old gelcoat, which actually still looks pretty good after 28 years! I've even mustered the courage to dabble in that nefarious world of color matching, or actually mis-matching as my first couple of attempts went.

But then there's the problem of the worn down molded-in, factory nonskid. Awlgrip or another suitable LP paint with Griptex may be the best answer.

OK, back to school . . . .

**minaret** · 31-05-2014, 17:21

I'd love to post more pics to this thread, but I'm having technical difficulties. CF runs fine as usual on my iPad and other devices, but suddenly does not run on my desktop, which of course has all my pics on it. I changed nothing, but for the last two weeks or so when I try to log onto CF on my desktop, all I get is the headline banner with a blank screen under it. Let's me click on the tabs, lets me log in and out, etc, but no content other than the headline and the top row of tabs. Says "waiting for cruisers forum to respond", never times out or anything.

Anyone got any pointers for me? Can't figure out what the trouble is. All other websites seem fine. Doesn't seem to be related to my security measures. But I'm only mildly Internet savvy...

laika · 31-05-2014, 18:09

Sounds like a javascript conflict or similar on your desktop that's keeping the bottom part of the page from loading. Might sound silly, but have you tried just shutting down computer and restarting recently?

Failing that, what browser and operating system are you using? You might try upgrading to the latest version of that browser.

Try a different browser. Does that work?

**minaret** · 31-05-2014, 18:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by laika

Sounds like a javascript conflict or similar on your desktop that's keeping the bottom part of the page from loading. Might sound silly, but have you tried just shutting down computer and restarting recently?

Failing that, what browser and operating system are you using? You might try upgrading to the latest version of that browser.

Try a different browser. Does that work?

Thanks! Don't know why I didn't think of that...

Was running Firefox. Runs fine on the old Internet Exploder. Must need to update Firefox or something.

**knottybuoyz** · 31-05-2014, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by minaret

Thanks! Don't know why I didn't think of that...

Was running Firefox. Runs fine on the old Internet Exploder. Must need to update Firefox or something.

I've had to turn off automatic updates for Firefox. They seem to happen at the most inopportune time. After updates have been done however you have to check which plugins are installed or need to be updated or are deactivated. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to their updates. I have visited some sites that once worked that now don't for who knows what reason. I've been slowly weening myself off of Firefox and moving over to Chrome.

"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated!" - The Borg Collective

ReneJK · 04-06-2014, 05:43

Awesome thread Minaret !

thank you for taking the time to document , explain and share all your hard work, looks fantastic !

Jimlad · 04-06-2014, 06:28

OK,

now the computer glitch is sorted what about the progress Minaret??
Feeling starved of 'the knowledge' !!

SVTatia · 04-06-2014, 10:26

Minaret, its been a while since I checked your work. You are not doing too badly...

I have a highly technical question -- why all the different masking tape colours? Different kinds for each purpose? Do you have any hints to avoid bleeding?

**minaret** · 05-06-2014, 00:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVTatia

Minaret, its been a while since I checked your work. You are not doing too badly...

I have a highly technical question -- why all the different masking tape colours? Different kinds for each purpose? Do you have any hints to avoid bleeding?

Yes, of course. You are seeing a number of different types, each with it's own purpose.

If you are having problems with bleed through on topcoat, a switch to fineline can help. But really, it's all about technique. You MUST rub the crap out of your tape. Like blisters on your fingers rubbing. Secret tip-I sometimes use the back of a cheap plastic spoon for tape rubbing. Perfect shape and texture, no more blisters.Most tapes become more transparent/change color when properly rubbed out. Fineline is a good example.

Other considerations include water based adhesive vs. solvent based, which can be important when shooting gelcoat.

**minaret** · 05-06-2014, 00:11

Had to go to Chrome to upload pics, Explorer sucks.

Did someone mention color matching? I'll test out the browser by uploading some pics of me color matching a five gallon batch of gel.

**minaret** · 05-06-2014, 00:18

So, I've mentioned before my secret method for color matching. I wet sand and polish the area I'm matching to, to get back to original color, and apply a dab of gel. Then I cover the dab with either clear mylar film (preferred) or packing tape, if I have no mylar. In this case, it's packing tape. I apply a drop of clean water to one side of the film, and then rub until the clear glossy spot from the water hits the clear glossy spot from the gel. This, for some inexplicable reason, makes very slight differences in color extremely obvious. It really, really works. I've taught people this method and seen them make a career out of it. I'll try to depict it here...

**minaret** · 05-06-2014, 00:20

Clearly needs more Light Sienna. So I add some...

**minaret** · 05-06-2014, 00:23

Standard pigments for hitting most shades of white. Many can be got with only Sienna and Black. Some require hints of Cardinal Red, Bright Yellow, Phthalo Blue, or Green to achieve the right hue.