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