Preparations and Repairs
Preparation for paint and primer included an initial cleaning and solvent washing of the hull, followed by a thorough sanding with 220 grit.  Later in the preparation process I determined that the hull required additional sanding, and sanded the entire hull with 120 grit to remove many of the minor surface interruptions and gelcoat cracks.

For the more significant dings and minor damaged areas, I ground out the flaw and created divots in the surface, which I filled with epoxy putty in several layers as necessary.  Two areas on the after hull-deck joint showed signs of collision damage, and these required additional repairs in the form of new fiberglass laid in using epoxy resin, after which I faired the areas with additional fairing compound.  For final fairing and pinhole-filling, I used an epoxy surfacing compound.  

With all the repairs faired in using 120 grit sandpaper, I applied a mist coat to the hull, using black spray lacquer.  Then I sanded the entire hull with 220 grit paper, removing all traces of the mist coat in the process.  Use of the mist coat in this manner allowed me to easily locate those areas requiring additional sanding.  To protect the deck and bottom from paint overspray, I covered them with plastic sheeting taped to the edges.

Click on each photo for a larger view.  

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