Hull buffing and prep for fresh Graphics

May 2021, and a covid-related launch delay provided and extra four weeks to tackle some work, so I elected to replace the tired decals with new, and to polish, wax and buff the hull properly.     I'd never really committed to mastering this in the past.   

Here is the post on the graphics themselves.

I asked an expert friend for direction and he provided the three points below.   

1)      Wash the hull sides with soapy water and a brush.  Use a healthy dose of Dawn dish detergent for the soap.  You will be amazed how much oxidization this removes.  Dawn is very harsh.  Do use it other than as a stripping wash

[I found that the gelcoat was raised where the letters had been adhered.   A weird but common phenomenon.  Google it.    This area required some wet sanding and I finally landed on a progression of 600-800-1500 grits.  After the 1500, a rubbing compound is required prior to commencing the next step.   The rubbing compound was also required to freshen the oxidized boot stripes.  I used a cheap palm buffer for this with its sponge pad.]

2)      Use Meguiar’s Marine / RV Oxidation Remover (M4916) and apply it with a wool bonnet on a variable speed buffer (DeWalt, Makita or Porter-Cable).  I have a Makita.  Buff off left over dust with a soft microfiber cloth.

        I bought industry standard Makita and its great for this and will last my lifetime.   

3)      Use Meguiar’s Flagship Premium Marine Wax and apply it with a soft foam polishing pad on a variable speed buffer.  Buff off by hand with a plush microfiber cloth.

[I found the Makita was getting heavy and that working overhead and on a ladder all day was a  a tiring struggle.  I tried my WEN 10 orbital waxer with a terrycloth pad and got a much better result for applying the wax, very even and predictable.)   

First two - Ready for launch - awaiting decals.

Others, the work in progress.