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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Kingston, ON
    Posts
    356

    Default Wet Sanding?..... I need it. :S

    Well if there is one thing about me I can admit when I'm wrong... sort of. So I brought the Sunsport home today Yah! I got out the buffer and the Buff Magic... nothing... am thinking maybe the wax that had been put on over top of the oxidization, might be the cause of my troubles but I decided to to try wetsanding the bottom corner to see how it would turn out. So I wet sanded.. used buff magic compond, and then put some polish on. Now I want to do the whole boat. So the question I have to those who have done the wet sanding is;

    1. Can I use an electric or air rotary sander on the big parts?
    2. Do I need to sand it twice or can I use 320 (which I used today) and then buff it? or do I need to do 320 then 600 then buff? or can I just use 600?
    3. Should I take off the decals and put new ones on when I'm done?

    Thanks all.

    By the way I still like the Buff Magic and it did wonders on my Bayliner... was wondering if maybe the gelcoat is softer or if had never had wax on it. Comment on this if you wish.
    IMG_1077.JPGIMG_1081.JPGIMG_1083.JPGIMG_1084.JPGIMG_1085.JPG

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Wichita,Ks
    Posts
    15

    Default

    Don't think you need to wet sand, rubbing compound should do the trick. Not sure whats in the Buff Magic, it may be just a mild buffing wax or polish. Go to auto parts or car paint store and get rubbing compound. You will need a good buffing pad to put on a drill or buffer. I would try this first before wet sanding, rubbing compound should take off oxidation. Be careful on sharp 90 degree corners and other pronouced areas. You can put a piece of making tape over those areas, then hand rub later after main body is done. Used to work at a large body shop. Hope it works out for you.
    2002 Moomba Mobius V
    Rick

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Augusta, GA
    Posts
    103

    Default

    I think 320 is a bit too aggressive to be using on there. I just started the wet sanding process on mine yesterday. Used 800, 1000, and 1500 then compound, polish, and wax. All 3M products except the harbor freight polisher/buffer. I have only done the transom so far but it looks great. 2012-03-27_18-32-42_476.jpg

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    109

    Default

    Welch is right about 320 being a course grit. Hit up an auto parts store but best if a paint store and grab wet sand paper along with a wet sand block. This is your best bet if you never wetsanded with a sander, and keeps you from sanding through the color. 800 is a good starting point to do a little sanding with. Jump to 1000 then 1500 and maybe 3000 if you want little bit of buffing. Some heavy cut rubbing compound will work great also to bring it out and not need to much wetsanding. Don't forget to grab polish and use it after you buff with rubbing compound. Grab you a harbor freight 7in buffer and buffing pads from the store to use. The variable speed on the buffer works grab to use low rpms to work the stuff in and crank it up to start buffing. Keep a spray bottle with water next to you to keep spraying a little water as you sand.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Kingston, ON
    Posts
    356

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by whelchel86 View Post
    I think 320 is a bit too aggressive to be using on there. I just started the wet sanding process on mine yesterday. Used 800, 1000, and 1500 then compound, polish, and wax. All 3M products except the harbor freight polisher/buffer. I have only done the transom so far but it looks great. 2012-03-27_18-32-42_476.jpg
    Looks good. How did you sand the little details? (around everything)

    Should I keep the Decals?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Augusta, GA
    Posts
    103

    Default

    For the small detail work I used a small flexible sanding block/pad and just my fingers in some cases.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    dayton, ohio
    Posts
    71

    Default

    I would agree with welch. You will have a hard time getting 320 grit marks out. Sanded mine this winter and turned out great. Used 1000 grit then compounded with Presta products
    and polished. I wouldn't use any grit under 1000
    102_3102.jpg

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Dixon, IL and Columbia, MO
    Posts
    775

    Default

    I think everyone's responses on here are valid, and I think there's a million ways of doing this. So, here's a before and after of my project last fall... I did 600, 800, 1200, rubbing compound, polishing compound, and wax.




  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    328

    Default

    I like to start by removing the water spots with auto magic water spot remover number 600. You will be amazed at what comes off, all the water spots just rinse away with just a small amount of rubbing. . You’ll need to keep it off of the aluminum and wear gloves. Start with area’s about 2 foot by 3 foot at a time. Then rinse thoroughly with water. Towel dry and move on to the next spot . I found that the water spots are harder than fiberglass. It speeds up the process by getting rid of them first. I also use this product one or twice a year just before waxing. Auto detail shops use this product all the time to remove water spots from paint and glass. I wouldn’t recommend a novice using it on there glass.
    Most all of the water spots on the side of Chrisk’s black boat would probably rinse away in less than 30 minutes.
    Keep up the good work. That red boats going to look really hot on the water summer while you’re cruising the dock looking to pick up checks.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Kingston, ON
    Posts
    356

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by whelchel86 View Post
    For the small detail work I used a small flexible sanding block/pad and just my fingers in some cases.
    I was thinking of the groove that goes around the boat... did you sand it just in a straight line?

    Thanks for the in put... Have about another month before I put it in the water. Have to put new boards on the dock, and wet sand the boat, change the oils, give her a tune up, and put on the tower when it comes.
    Think I'll remove the decals... but I have an Idea for putting different ones on. I won't say what it is unless I don't do it, but I post some pics either way.
    They just peel off I assume? Suggestions for easier removal welcome.

    Keep the suggestions coming.... So everyones has done this by hand? Was thinking of trying an orbital sander on the Transom below the water line.. keeping the hull nice and wet while I sand.... any thoughts?
    Last edited by wiatowski; 03-29-2012 at 09:16 AM.

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