: For some one new to fiberglassing, YES. Wait about 12 hours until
: the epoxy isn't tacky any more. It should still be
: "green" and slightly soft. Scrape off any ridges and
: or bumps (ie bugs or dust nibs). Don't try to sand it. Your
: 'glass will slide on top fine.

: A much more advanced method is to roll on a coat of epoxy, wait for
: it to get slightly tacky (usually a couple of hours with fast
: hardener), lay your 'glass on and immediately start 'glassing.
: You want it tacky so that it holds the 'glass in place. It works
: really well on interiors and is also a way to reduce resin usage
: for light builds. I often use it when casting parts that have a
: clear epoxy gel coat. One big warning: It can also be a royal
: PITA!

Thanks for all the advice guys. I think for me; being brand new to this, I'd feel more comfortable going the seal coat route. I am also using multiple wood species, so Bill's point about different absorbtion rates would apply. Here's my next question.... I'm using MAS epoxy with slow hardner and was watching some of their demonstration videos yesterday. They suggest that when using the Q-tip method, once the resin is no longer tacky (won't pull Q-tip fibers) that you need to sand before subsequent coats. I really don't want to mess this up, so I'd appreciate if anyone has any experience with MAS epoxy and applying glass after the tack has left. I sure like the sounds of this method, but I want to be sure it will work.

Also....before I took the deck off the forms, I seal coated them with the MAS epoxy using a foam brush. It seemed like it worked OK, but after it has hardened, it's splotchy looking. I'm guessing some areas saturated with wood, and others were still drinking when the epoxy kicked. I don't think this should be a problem and will disappear when I get around to glass the deck right?......