1989 2001 Nautique Oxidation? Decals?

[jcfox00]

Just bought this 89. Can I somehow restore the shine by wet sanding around the decals, then buffing with wax? trying to avoid replacing the decals... thoughts? or do you think a coat of wax would bring this back?

[charlesml3]

Yea, it can be done but it's a time consuming process. The best thing you can do is tape over the decals. It's very difficult to wet-sand right up to the edge without sanding some of the decal edge off. Take your time and really get the tape perfect before you start.

-Charles

[Quinner]

Tough to tell from that pic, does not look bad from here. Find your worst spot, try using a polish first, if not cutting it go to a heavy compound. After everything finish with a high quality paste wax like Collinite. Best products for job are 3M Heavy Duty Compound, Finesse-It, Perfect-It,

[jcfox00]

Thanks guys, I might just try to wax it and see what happens. Good idea with the tape. Buffing I think would tear up the decals so I might end up just replacing them if I go that route.
Haven't taken delivery yet, just got 5 inches of snow here.

[Blamey]

Thanks guys, I might just try to wax it and see what happens. Good idea with the tape. Buffing I think would tear up the decals so I might end up just replacing them if I go that route.
Haven't taken delivery yet, just got 5 inches of snow here.

At the very least use a restorer wax. That's a polish and wax in 1. I have had decent results with the 3m restorer wax.

That said a all in 1 will never make the boat look as good as a 3 step compound, polish and wax.

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[Dgee]

I'm a fan of Presta's heavy cut with a wool pad, you'd be amazed what a day with a good cutting compound can do. Finish it up with a good sealer of your choice and you'll have that thing shining like new.

Personally I'd tape the rub rails and the decals, the heavy cut can be applied by hand in the areas of the decals as to not damage them. Do your finishing with a foam pad and you can go right over the decals safely.

[jcfox00]

Awesome! Thanks for the tips!

[shag]

The 3M route will probably do wonders on that boat.... I have owned that exact year and color... The gel is pretty thick on the older Nautiques

[beardt]

Great input on getting the shine back. I have a 89 BFN and it has a bit more oxidation.......If I polish with the 3m Heavy Duty compound will it damage the decals when the buffer pad runs over them? Thx

[jcfox00]

I actually just got some turtle wax rubbing compound for like $2 at Menards and did little sections at a time by hand around the decals. The decals will probably stay put if you careful, but you could just do it by hand around the decals... Mine wasn't as bad as I thought and turned out great! Good luck!

[throttle out]

Just restored mine!!

[beardt]

Very Nice....... Did you add new decals or polish around the factory ones. We are going to start on my 89 this weekend. I am still not sure how to remove heavy oxidation between the letters.....Nice Job!

[throttle out]

yes I stripped everything. Wetsanded the hull from 400 to 600 to 800 to 1000 and then 1200 grit. cut and polished it from there. It looks brand new but was without question a pile of work. In my opinion, polishing around the decals would be near impossible. Get a Marine 31 gelcoat restoration kit and give it ****. if your not happy with the results than your next step is the full resto.