Surface preparation and fiberglassing - general discussion

I recently read a post that advised against using acetone as a cleaner prior to applying epoxy saying that it left a residue. I always thought that acetone was very "pure" and I have been using acetone for years with no problems - but now I wonder if I have just been lucky. I poured a cup of acetone in a clean container, covered the container with a cloth and let the acetone evaporate (outside!). I could not see/feel any residue.

Could we pool our experience and have a general discussion of methods of surface prep and cleaning before and during epoxy and fiberglassing. Any cautions from unfortunate experiences would be helpful as well.

This my typical approach to finishing a 'yak - from bare wood - comments welcome. Copy/edit the list if you like to describe your process.

1) main sanding, contouring of seams, dust off, damp cloth wipe (to raise any grain), light sanding, dust off, vacuum, acetone wipe, sealing coat of resin, partial cure, quick scraping (carbide blade scraper) of obvious drips, fill/fair as required with thickened epoxy, partial cure, quick scraping.

2) check surface & scrape as required, dust off, acetone wipe, apply epoxy and glass, add weave fill coats, partial cure, light scrape where required, full cure (couple of days min).

3) TSP wash (a degreaser - don't remember the chemical name) clear water rinse, light surface scrape, rough dry sand with 80 grit, dust off, damp cloth wipe (inspect - if required > fill any low spots, allow partial cure, scrape, full cure, TSP wash, re-sand with 80 grit), wet sand with 180 grit/ 240 grit / 320 grit, TSP wash, clear water rinse.

Whew! never thought there were so many steps, first time I ever listed them.

I like to wait (and paddle) a couple of weeks to allow the epoxy to fully set before applying varnish and paint.

Thanks for your input.

Hank