Originally Posted by
txnight
Still no supplier for the chrome decals. I think we are going to replace some of the originals with Vinyl .
Removing the oxidation is slow work. Take your time.
Here is the process we followed. I'm sure we made some mistakes but I'm pleased with the results:
1. On this boat we had to start with 320 or 600 grit wet sanding. I tried 3 different compounds and it simply wouldn't remove the oxidation. It hurt to use that heavy of a sandpaper but it worked.
2. Wet sanding with 1000 grit
3. compound with 3m on a random orbital or polisher.
4. 1200 grit wet sand
5.1500 grit wet sand
6. Meguiars oxidation remover which is essentially a very light compound on a polisher.
7. Check that all the scratches are smoothed back out. At this point the meguiars should have brought the hull to a nice shine and scratches shouldn't be visible. Where necessary wet sand with 1500 or light compound as necessary to smooth out the scratches.
8. Apply two coats of polish.
9. Apply as many coats of wax as your heart desires.
Overall it took roughly 35 man hours to restore the hull. With your boat only being 5 years old maybe you can skip the wet sanding and just use compound. If so it will go much faster and you will not run as much risk of damaging the gel coat.Good luck!