Nearly there....but have put a coat of black on and still have some very light scratches, though - will these show up in the gelcoat when I make the mould?

Oh yes even a finger print will show up

have you flatted the paint yet

if you are going to use a coloured gel coat to make the final part appear painted, then the finish will only be as perfect as the mould.

If you are gonna spray the part, then primer surfacer will cover small imperfections before the gloss coats go on.

atb

steve

Don't worry about scratches in the buck. A 4 thou scratch in the buck will come out as a 4 thou rib on the mould and it is easier to polish the raised area out on the mould than it is to rub the whole of the surrounding area down by 4 thou on the buck.
Graham T

The finnished moulding wont be quite as good as your mould which wont be quite as good as your plug.
You have to do the finnishing. Easier to do it to the plug.

I would have to agree with Graham on this one, a small scratch on the plug could take ages to sand out but this will become a fine raised line on the mould and be much easier to sand out.
Keep your wetanddry in the thou's though and don't forget some pictures so we can all see and admire your handy work.
Cheers.
Scotty G.

quote:

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Originally posted by Triton
Oh yes even a finger print will show up

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Absolutely Steve, much easier, don't make extra work for yourself.
Cheers.