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Removing ghosts of names gone by

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Kper
Captain

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USA
417 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/26/2014 : 13:03:12

It's somewhat apparent that our new boat has had at least 3 previous names. What's the best way to remove the hints of previous names? I realize the sun has bleached around the names leaving a slightly different shade of hull behind and the most recent even feels a bit raised with a swipe of the fingers but, is there a wet sanding process that might help with blending the old and new to make it less apparent before we apply the new decals? Gel coats are unchartered territory to me.

Thank you!

Kyle
'86 SR/SK/Dinette #5284 "Anodyne"
In the barn where we found her...

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2014 : 15:51:13

Sanding sounds pretty aggressive. I'd try mild rubbing compound. Gelcoat is softer than paint (although thicker, at least initially).

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5369 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2014 : 17:18:22

Ketchup

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2014 : 17:21:01

Use a comparably sized new vinyl decal and forget it... I did.

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Kper
Captain

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USA
417 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2014 : 18:23:58

I tried the ketchup and, although very tasty, it didn't do so well.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pastmember
 Use a comparably sized new vinyl decal and forget it... I did.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
That sounds easy except that the previous name was nearly 4' long.

I'm used to paint and have to remind myself this is gel coat. I'll start with a polishing compound and move up to working it lightly with rubbing compound.

I just wanted to ask before I screwed something up and regretted it.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2014 : 18:24:00

Or wait a year or two until the sun does it thing to the gel-coat.

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rrick
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USA
261 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2014 : 21:11:07

And here is what I deal with to this day (contrast enhanced).

This forum concluded painted on letters were painted over, but after many washes and polishes, and finally a scratch test, I conclude the relief is caused by the extra protection lettering provided to the gelcoat. Day of needing paint nears for both of us. Then I can sand down these letter bumps and change the name (yes, she remains Spirit, for traces of the previous name are present). BTW, glad you're addressing the issue, and not sailing right away. Witchcraft is strong with that one. Did you purchase from an owner under duress or an estate sale?

Edited by - rrick on 05/26/2014 21:19:46

Kper
Captain

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USA
417 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2014 : 05:15:32

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by rrick
....Did you purchase from an owner under duress or an estate sale?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
No, why do you ask?
The boat was given to the previous owner by his father-in-law. The s-in-law sailed one season and the family preferred to go fast. I dealt with both parties when I purchased.

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2014 : 08:16:28

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Voyager
 Ketchup<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Nah... That's for scum stains. This problem is aged, exposed gelcoat next to areas that were protected by paint or vinyl. Aside from not worrying about it, the only solution is equalizing the surfaces by taking a tiny bit off both of them.

Spirit, on the other hand, has an area where the gelcoat is appears to be just about gone, exposing the outer lamination. That might call for some fairing compound, sanding, and (I say reluctantly) then a complete paint job.

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rrick
Captain

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USA
261 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2014 : 11:39:30

White hides everything. Here is what she looks like without x-ray vision.

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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5369 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2014 : 18:43:21

No Ketchup? You can always use trisodium phosphate.

Edited by - Voyager on 05/28/2014 18:50:41

rrick
Captain

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USA
261 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2014 : 21:40:54

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Kper
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by rrick
....Did you purchase from an owner under duress or an estate sale?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
No, why do you ask?
The boat was given to the previous owner by his father-in-law. The s-in-law sailed one season and the family preferred to go fast. I dealt with both parties when I purchased.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Ok, folks. Leave me to sound like the crazy one.
http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/rename.htm

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Kper
Captain

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USA
417 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2014 : 03:09:26

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by rrick
Ok, folks. Leave me to sound like the crazy one.
http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/rename.htm
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Good read! That's the most in-depth version I've read, certainly leaves nothing to question.

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