Prep for New Graphics

[JDusza]

Hi,
I am going to put new lettering on a 1992 Barefoot Nautique. Of course, once I remove the old letters, there will be a difference in hull color due to sun fading. I had in mind I would use a polishing compound like Dupont #7. A friend suggested wet sanding.
Any recommendations are appreciated.
Thanks,
J

[s_kelley2000]

What color boat and how faded is it? If it's dark blue, black or red then wetsanding will probably be needed. You can always start with a heavy cut compound and see how it works. If it seems to be bringing the faded color back then stick with it, otherwise wet sand, compound and then polish.

[JDusza]

Color is mustard yellow. With the old graphic off you can definitely see a color shift.
What grits should I be using? What is a heavy cut compound?
Thanks.
J

[s_kelley2000]

Heavy Cut compound is a grittier compound that will cut through the oxidation quicker. Many brands make it. 3M is probably the best but I have had good luck with Starbrite and was able to find it at a local hardware store when I needed it.

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/starb...TZY9Br8obw_wcB

[JDusza]

Well,... you can tell I was nervous about cutting too deep and ruining the finish. I didn't need to be.
I first tried a 1200 wet sand paper (recommended by a friend as used on their Nautique). Works okay, but, seems like too much labor. We worked our way down to a 400 grit wet sandpaper and have probably the best results we're gonna get. The yellow is not quite a dead-on match but it seems the further we go, the less payback we're getting. And, it does look good. So, we're using a 400 wet sand followed by a 1200 wet sand to stat polishing it out, followed by 3M polish, then wax. Phew!
I expect to be able to use a machine for the polish and wax. But, right now, it's hand work.
Thanks for the help and the confidence boost!
J

[shag]

Correct craft used some of the thickest gelcoats.... I have actually wet sanded a boat twice (after several years) and still the gel coat shines...

[JDusza]

So far, so good. It's coming out nice.
J