# how much sanding of epoxy?
**URL:** https://forum.clcboats.com/t/how-much-sanding-of-epoxy/43982
**Category:** Builder's Forum
**Created:** [April 6, 2016, 8:15pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/how-much-sanding-of-epoxy/43982 "2016-04-06T20:15:43Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Christopher\_Derby](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Christopher_Derby)
#### Post date: [April 6, 2016, 8:15pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/how-much-sanding-of-epoxy/43982/1 "2016-04-06T20:15:43Z")
I've got two good coats of epoxy over the wetted fiberglasss and I have faired and sanded up to 180 grit. Nice and smooth, right? Yes, but there are very small pits (approximately 1/8" diameter) that show through the sanded surface, perhaps distributed at a rate of one pit per four square inches or less. They show up as a speck of glossy surface and they are barely detectable by touch. The pits aren't deep in the sanded surface. I'm concerned that if I sand enough to make them go away I'll sand into the fiberglass, which may show through the final Interlux gloss varnished surface. Do I really need to continue sanding and maybe recoat the exposed 'glass or will the varnish hide a few minor sins nicely?
---
### Author:  [@Howard\_Spira](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Howard_Spira)
#### Post date: [April 6, 2016, 9:47pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/how-much-sanding-of-epoxy/43982/2 "2016-04-06T21:47:08Z")
it sounds like you are probably ready to varnish.
that said, different folks have different standards.....but i doubt based on what your describing that anybody would notice these minor imperfections.
here would be my suggestion. varnish a small section and see what you think. you can pick a 12 inch section of the side of the hull. if it looks fine, just continue. if it doesn't, then sand the little section of varnish off and use a skim coat of epoxy to fill in the little indentations.
a skim coat is applied with a squeegee...and does not involve a lot of epoxy. the squeegee forces it into those final little depressions. and then after the squeegee coat, it is just a very light sanding and your ready to go.
hope that helps
h
---
### Author:  [@Laszlo\_Morocz](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Laszlo_Morocz)
#### Post date: [April 7, 2016, 5:34am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/how-much-sanding-of-epoxy/43982/3 "2016-04-07T05:34:52Z")
derby,
Depends on the level of finish you're going for. If it's a workboat finish, then as Howard says, you're ready. If it's a museum piece, you're not.
Personally, I'm somewhere in between. I like to get the pits down to the occasional pinhole-sized, at least. That gives a nice smooth base for any kind of finish. From where you're at now, that would be one more very thin coat of epoxy and one more sanding session with #220, if you choose to go for pinhole or smaller.
Remember, if you can feel them, then you'll be able to see them. On the other hand, unless you're trying to win a prize it won't make a difference. And the boat will float and perform just as well no matter what level of finish you use.
Have fun.
Laszlo