> Sanding the wood with the random orbital, I use 80 grit. That is usually
> enough to get rid of any sanding marks from the long-board. I have used
> finer grit, but it doesn't improve the looks any and reduces the
> mechanical bond with the epoxy. If I can't see sanding marks, I stop
> sanding. If after a thorough sanding with 80 there are still marks, I
> would go to 100. Hopefully that would be enough. I have stopped with 60
> grit with very satisfactory results.

I fear I may have over sanded with the ROS using a 100 grit disc. The surface is nice and smooth, no scratch marks, but not "polished". But your remark that "...finer grit...reduces mechanical bond with the epoxy." gives me pause. I started with and only used the 100 grit disc(s) after a throrough job with a sharp block plane and shave.

Should I go back with a coarser disc to prepare the surface better? I have in mind to apply a sealer coat due to numerous small imperfections in the joints from my inexpertise and design choices. Will this sealer coat be the one at risk of not bonding with the wood? Would it be the first glass/epoxy coat to be put on over the sealer coat? The boat's not gonna suffer explosive delamination on me, is it?

Maybe I should just sit down, press my dust mask firmly to my face and take a couple of deep breaths.

Ed