Help removing graphics and cleaning.

[brandon32689]

Hey guys I'm about to pick up 2 96 xps, I can already tell you I want all the pink splash graphics off. What is the best thing to use to remove. Also what is the best thing to use to buff it up and bring back as much color as possible.

Where could I find dif sets of graphics. And are they hard to put on? Thanks in advance

 

[Dr Honda]

It depends on how hard the old vinyl has gotten.

If it's soft... use a hair dryer, make them warm, and they should peal off. If they are old and hard, you will need a VERY sharp razor, and scrape them. (The razor will only work on the Gel Coat)

To buff out the hull... I use a rotary buffer, and 3M Super Duty compound. It will bring the shine out, even on the most neglected hull.

 

[brandon32689]

That is seriously the same ski? Like without paint? Damn. So what brand compound and any special way.

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... that's the same ski, just with some love. (That is not new paint)


"3M Super Duty Compound". It comes in a quart, squeeze bottle, and it has a red/brow color. (like clay) It is a very aggressive compound. It is sharp at first, and will cut the old crap off of the Gel Coat. Then, as you work it... it will break down, and polish.

If you use this compound on paint... be very careful. It could burn though it, but on the Gel... you can work it as hard as you want.


FYI... that ski is my $200 special. I bought it for $300 because it was ugly. Then I sold the trailer for $175... then I bought a few things to clean it up.


Here's a good "Shine" picture of that hull. You can see the gloss in the corners.

 

[brandon32689]

Man that stuff works great. Looks new!! How did you get in all those small spots. Any special pad on buffer or just what it comes with.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Your gonna want to have a buffer...but yes that 3m stuff is the most aggressive stuff available. I usually go over a machine like Dr. 2-3 times with the compound, then 2 times with wax.

 

[Dr Honda]

Man that stuff works great. Looks new!! How did you get in all those small spots. Any special pad on buffer or just what it comes with.

Yep... it turned out pretty good. It's not perfect... but from 5 ft away, it looks good. I just use a foam pad. It will hold the compound the best, and it will get into all the nooks and cranies.

Your gonna want to have a buffer...but yes that 3m stuff is the most aggressive stuff available. I usually go over a machine like Dr. 2-3 times with the compound, then 2 times with wax.

Thanks... I almost forgot about the wax.

Since you buffed the Gel... you need to put wax on it, or the junk in the lake water will stain your nice clean hull. (You can use any wax you like)