Guys,

About to buy an upgrade board for 13 yr old son (35kg). It would appear that most shop boards in that 5'8 to 6'0 range don't have a gloss coat. I would have thought that this meant less resin, less strength and less water proof? The shops are obviously trying to sell to a price but conversations with old glassers recommend getting a gloss coat for strength and ease of repair.

Any comments before I talk to my favourite shaper

Apart from a slight weight advantage and a slight price advantage, I thought the other reason was because a sanded finish is supposed to be faster than a gloss finish.

I just have a vague recollection of hearing this many years ago.


Mind you, it does take away one of the main joys of owning a new board, that loverly fresh clean new look.

Just bought a new board (a few months back) and I asked about a gloss coat and the shaper said exactly what obct has just said, they're faster!!
A gloss coat was gonna cost me a tad extra but figured I might need some speed.

Totally agree all my boards are pro tech finish except for the cruiser/log.

I hate protech, I prefer wet rub or gloss

Doggie you'll hate protech when you can't get any waves ha ha you old dog,not long now till you hit the east coast.All concerned lock your daughters up there will be a dog on the loose.

Select to expand quote

asea said...

Doggie you'll hate protech when you can't get any waves ha ha you old dog,not long now till you hit the east coast.All concerned lock your daughters up there will be a dog on the loose.

Feelin a bit old after that weekend sheesh, couple of new groms in the club and they were ripping!!

this topic could take awhile to cover in depth....basically people need to know the difference between gloss finish and so called "protech" finish.... starting with protech....it was pretty much a way to manufacture a cheaper finish and is just your sand coat sanded down to fine grades until it can take a spray finish without leaving noticeable scratches.(the spray is just an automotive clearcoat with a flatting base)..if you hold one to certain light you will almost always see some trace of scratches or faint patterns of the fibreglass mat where the sander has touched...these boards are throw aways IMO and should be avoided if you are after longevity....just because it has a gloss coat doesn't mean it cant have a matt finish it just means the gloss or shall we say the finish coat is wet rubbed down to the finish you desire...this is definitely the way to go.
The shiny gloss coat is a whole lot harder to achieve and can really test the manufacturer....after the gloss or finish coat has been put down the board is sanded with very fine papers right down to 2000 grit then machine polished with cutting compounds and polishes...most manufactures keep their methods closely guarded secrets....and it's a lot more work than it sounds thus the extra cost.
The matt finish versus gloss finish is a bit of a debate.....matt finish is said to increase the laminar flow thus giving more speed....but really....do you think you will notice it on something as slow as a surf board? I really doubt it. anything going for speed records is a different thing.....and yeah Daneli they are a little stronger and a lot easier to repair hope this helps.

Arkgee, couldnt have said it better myself, I still like gloss boards cos they polish up nice

Thanks Arkgee, certainly answers all my questions.

Cheers

Thanks Arkgee for the info.

Not sure how the gloss helps with the ease of repair, bit more work I would have thought. Perhaps a bit more thickness of glass surface to help with sanding?

I can feel a shaper war on the horizon yes Im a clown

It would be impossible to test and determine which was faster and quite frankly a waste of time. Gloss adds weight and cost - if that doesn't bother you then go for it otherwise save ya bucks.

Select to expand quote

billboard said...

It would be impossible to test and determine which was faster and quite frankly a waste of time. Gloss adds weight and cost - if that doesn't bother you then go for it otherwise save ya bucks.

You can also polish the filler coat

Select to expand quote

doggie said...

billboard said...

It would be impossible to test and determine which was faster and quite frankly a waste of time. Gloss adds weight and cost - if that doesn't bother you then go for it otherwise save ya bucks.

You can also polish the filler coat

Hey - we are more than aware of how much you like a wet rub and polish

Select to expand quote

billboard said...

doggie said...

billboard said...

It would be impossible to test and determine which was faster and quite frankly a waste of time. Gloss adds weight and cost - if that doesn't bother you then go for it otherwise save ya bucks.

You can also polish the filler coat

Hey - we are more than aware of how much you like a wet rub and polish

heh, heh, heh

So not funny guys........

Hi Daneli,my son has a couple of boards that need to move on,should be good for the paddle machine da man Dan.

Select to expand quote

62mac said...

Hi Daneli,my son has a couple of boards that need to move on,should be good for the paddle machine da man Dan.

OK Mac, we are probably looking for something Fishy in shape. 5'10 to 6'0 X 20 wide, plenty of paddle, flat rocker etc. He has got good fitness and wave sense from nippers, but still working out the takeoffs. On a 6'4 longboard shape is still only make 1/2 of what he paddles for, it's a bit of a clunker the 6'4 but once he is up, he has a blast. I saw a good looking Tollhurst Fish in Goodtime the other day and before I know it BB is giving them a wrap.


PS Happy Birthday to you Mac. To quote AC "get a bundy up ya"

I could get him one of these as he looks like he is enjoying it so much!!




Flame Suit on

Actually I offered and was quickly turned down - Dan is very keen to become a SBer. The highlight of the Flood Relief paddle for him was meeting Owen Wright. Mac, you will note that the SUP Dan paddled for the last hour or so was the one Owen R did his bit on. That wasn't misssed by the young guy.

Daneli, have a look at the 5'8 Webber..The One....

Select to expand quote

P co said...

Not sure how the gloss helps with the ease of repair, bit more work I would have thought. Perhaps a bit more thickness of glass surface to help with sanding?

hey P co
I think you miss read me I meant a wet rubbed finish coat is the easiest repair.....no spraying or polishing involved