What is the best way to clean the hull...

[jjackson]

I just recently bought a 98 Challenger and need to replace the current registration numbers on the hull. When I removed the old numbers I seen how white the boat originally was and it got me thinking what is the best way to restore this without actually painting the boat.

Any advice????

Thanks for all the help

 

[SeadooBOB Square Pants]

I just recently bought a 98 Challenger and need to replace the current registration numbers on the hull. When I removed the old numbers I seen how white the boat originally was and it got me thinking what is the best way to restore this without actually painting the boat.

Any advice????

Thanks for all the help

I can tell you what not to do. DO NOT USE A RAZOR BLADE!! It will remove the gel coat. I think one member suggested using a heat gun from harbor fright real cheap and simply heating the numbers until sticky and removing with a putty knife. Then finish with like that orange cleaner stuff for garages.

 

[tony8a]

from what i read i understand you are past the removing part.

i ran into a similar deal and the only thing i was able to do was buff, polish,
and wax and to my dismay you can still see a bit of it. in the scheme of things there is virtually no way to change it except painting. but , i can tell you what i did ,

i went to a local graphic shop and had them sell me some scrap vinyl then i cut a rectangle the size of the old lettering and then i applied the new i used a red background and black letters. it looks ok , i will post pictures as soon as i can.

they even offered to do a custom number decal with a background , i might go back. i think it might make me feel better.

 

[kustomkarl]

The Key to getting the gel coat back to a good original gloss is "Fine" rubbing compound...it will remove some top coat of the surface, but it will shine like new. Buffing is a last resort. Then do a couple coats of Teflon Wax over the top. If you have experience with a power "slow" speed 1400 rpm's buffer, you can achieve a great finish quickly. If you haven't used a power buffer then you might burn the gel coat surface and make it worse. I have been refinishing cars for over 30+ years and have developed a technique of using soapy water on my buffing surface/ compound as a lubricant. I recommended you use a damp cloth and "hand rub" the surface. Ok, it's gonna take some time, but the results are worth it. It might take you about 6 hours of elbow grease to do the whole boat...I get my Teflon wax from West Marine. It isn't cheap but it lasts in the water better than carnuba car wax.

Karl

 

[jjackson]

I bought the compound, polish and wax kit and figure I have a few hours of work ahead of me. I figure I am safer doing it buy hand rather than the buffer...oh well.

Thanks again