RESTO Hull Stains - I've tried everything.

[az5oh]

I'm stuck. I've looked all over this forum and tried a number of the techniques suggested, including wet-sanding (as far as 220), using Bar Keepers Friend, using CLR, using The Works and I still have yellow "ghost" stains on the hulls of my 1996 GTI and 1995 XP surrounding where the OEM SEADOO decals used to be.

I feel stuck - it's clear that I've made progress at reducing these "ghost" stains, but I feel that the progress has slowed and 1) don't want to sand through the gelcoat and also 2) don't want to start polishing/waxing if I am going to have to go back and wetsand some more.

Any suggestions?

 

[orion590]

I have a 2001 GTI that had a chalky finish and stains when I got it. I took an orbital buffer/sander and used Meguires ultimate compound on it. Shines like new and got 95% of the stains out.

 

[racerxxx]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news..........you gotta drop down in grit to get those out. White is a commitment to get it white. I think I actually got a foam block from Home Depot which doesn't list the grit other than fine, and I think it's close to that 220. You're in for the long haul, sorry. You can see it in my HX thread. A buffer is not going to rub out those stains, where the decals were the gel coat was basically sealed from the atmosphere. Gel is porous and will suck in dirt.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?58039-Fresh-Find-Friday!-Project-HX/page3

 

[az5oh]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news..........you gotta drop down in grit to get those out. White is a commitment to get it white. I think I actually got a foam block from Home Depot which doesn't list the grit other than fine, and I think it's close to that 220. You're in for the long haul, sorry. You can see it in my HX thread. A buffer is not going to rub out those stains, where the decals were the gel coat was basically sealed from the atmosphere. Gel is porous and will suck in dirt.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?58039-Fresh-Find-Friday!-Project-HX/page3

RacerXXX: thank you for this note and especially the link. Question: how long did you spend on each of the 400, 500, 800 and 1200 grits? I admit that I don't have close to the 20 hours you had in your HX white gelcoat, so I guess I will have to keep going. Would you suggest dropping to something harsher than 220? If so, how far should I go?

 

[jdanthony]

I've had the same thing on my RX. I wouldn't recommend going as low as 220. You don't want to scratch it, if you go to heavy to quick you will have to sand out the scratches from the heavy paper. with that said, get a sanding block and some 600 wet paper, take your time, get some beer. It takes a longgggg time to get them out. I have used power sanders also, that is faster, but be careful , that takes a lot of material off very quickly.

 

[racerxxx]

RacerXXX: thank you for this note and especially the link. Question: how long did you spend on each of the 400, 500, 800 and 1200 grits? I admit that I don't have close to the 20 hours you had in your HX white gelcoat, so I guess I will have to keep going. Would you suggest dropping to something harsher than 220? If so, how far should I go?

I think this is what I used (see link), it doesn't list a grit. It's probably 220, maybe 320....LOL that's just a guess. Just get the one that is the LEAST aggressive. Then work up from there. There is not "time" on how long between grits. You have to look at the gel coat and keep going until the deeper scratches are gone, then go to the next grit until the previous scratches are gone etc...... Then buff it out with heavy cut etc.....


Use plenty of water and rinse the block often so it doesn't clog up. I'm just letting you know, this is a long process and a commitment. I think the pay off is worth it though.


http://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-4-5-i...g-Sponge-3-Sponge-Pack-CP001-3PK-LG/203212459

 

[racerxxx]

I've had the same thing on my RX. I wouldn't recommend going as low as 220. You don't want to scratch it, if you go to heavy to quick you will have to sand out the scratches from the heavy paper. with that said, get a sanding block and some 600 wet paper, take your time, get some beer. It takes a longgggg time to get them out. I have used power sanders also, that is faster, but be careful , that takes a lot of material off very quickly.

The stains on a white ski will laugh at 600, you'll need a truck to deliver the amount of beer it will take to get thru it at 600 grit.



Stains on white

Stains removed after working up

 

[1of500]

Go to 220 like he said just don't stay in one spot too long it's a mother