The miracles of wet sanding

[DonziChris]

Miracles do happen !

[Ed Donnelly]

The engine hatch looks beautiful now:cool::wink::cool: ...Ed

[DonziChris]

Thanks Ed, I was not sure if the color would come back or not, Looks like I got lucky.

Chris

[Just Say N20]

I'm sorry, but could you explain what we are looking at?

I'm not trying to be rude, but I see a fantastic looking yellow stripe on the stern/deck. Did that look like the yellow on the engine hatch before you wet sanded it?

[DonziChris]

Before and after picture, Engine hatch not yet done.

Chris

[sweet 16 1966]

I am interested to know the best way to begin. Will the new shine last?
Pls send before and after pics. Mine would be for the first time. I remember Tony saying he spent 40 hours if I remember correctly.

[Planetwarmer]

Start with a wet/dry sand paper at 600 grit or so (400 grit for really rough surfaces) keeping the area very wet. When you have sanded the surface smooth, move up to 1000 grit. When the sanding marks from the 600 grit are all sanded smooth, move up to 1500 grit. When the sanding marks that you made with the 1000 grit are all sanded smooth, buff the paint with a buffing compound and a buffer. Make sure to use plenty of water and light pressure while sanding, and be very careful on the corners.

You can use the same techniques on metal, substituting the buffing compound for a metal polish.

Works like a charm. Try it on a small section. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Yes, it will last if you keep it waxed. All the wet sanding does is smooth out the surface by removing the tiny scratches that may or may not be visible by the naked eye, and remove oxidation as well.

[Planetwarmer]

You can spend a LOT of time doing this. The pics are a perfect example as to what an oxidized paint job can look like after a good wet sanding.

It works on cars too!:boat::convertib:

[DonziChris]

I started with 800 grit, then 1500, using plenty of water.

Finished using 3M Imperial compound and finishing Material, With a electric polisher and wool pad.

Total time two hours for the area seen in pictures. Including hardware removal and install.

Chris

[Planetwarmer]

And now, for the rest of the boat!

[LeadSledMerc]

Awesome job...I can't get over the before and after in the pics!

[Tony]

I am interested to know the best way to begin. Will the new shine last?
Pls send before and after pics. Mine would be for the first time. I remember Tony saying he spent 40 hours if I remember correctly.

Russ, you are close. I spent about 60 hours wet-sanding my 22 the first summer I had it! It was stored on a covered lift, but the sun's rays bounced off the water and severely oxidized the colored hull sides and transom.

With so much area to cover I quickly decided on mechanical assistance and bought a DA wet-sander, and about $125 worth of 6" round hook & loop sanding discs. I started with 400, then went to 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, a synthetic 2000 pad, then 3M Heavy Duty, then 3M Finesse-It with a buffing wheel. Gel is some hard chit, one sanding disc would last about 3 square feet and then it had to be tossed!

When done make sure the polish you use has good UV protection. I have used the Leverage product and am completely happy with it....after 4 years the red still looks great. Of course, do not store the boat in the sun if you can help it.

I surmise that Donzi used plenty of gel when the boat was built, because even though 400 is a very aggressive grit I never came close to sanding through the gel.

Here are the posts describing my adventure, the first one is descriptive, the second one has more pics.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=45432

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=46093

:beer:

[Planetwarmer]

Russ, you are close. I spent about 60 hours wet-sanding my 22 the first summer I had it! It was stored on a covered lift, but the sun's rays bounced off the water and severely oxidized the colored hull sides and transom.

With so much area to cover I quickly decided on mechanical assistance and bought a DA wet-sander, and about $125 worth of 6" round hook & loop sanding discs. I started with 400, then went to 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, a synthetic 2000 pad, then 3M Heavy Duty, then 3M Finesse-It with a buffing wheel. Gel is some hard chit, one sanding disc would last about 3 square feet and then it had to be tossed!

When done make sure the polish you use has good UV protection. I have used the Leverage product and am completely happy with it....after 4 years the red still looks great. Of course, do not store the boat in the sun if you can help it.

I surmise that Donzi used plenty of gel when the boat was built, because even though 400 is a very aggressive grit I never came close to sanding through the gel.

Here are the posts describing my adventure, the first one is descriptive, the second one has more pics.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=45432

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=46093

:beer:

How do you like the "duo prop" on the 22?

[Pismo]

I'm sorry, but could you explain what we are looking at?
I'm not trying to be rude, but I see a fantastic looking yellow stripe on the stern/deck. Did that look like the yellow on the engine hatch before you wet sanded it?

I still don't see it. Which picture is what and what sections were sanded.? Which is before and which is after. They all look similar.

[Tony]

How do you like the "duo prop" on the 22?

I love it. The DPX is not a normal Volvo DP but rather their racing version with several significant upgrades. For instance the outdrive is rated for 600 hp, has a composite housing, and has integrated hydraulic steering.

Handling is awesome, I can let go of the wheel at any speed. Hole shot is good, and mid-range thrust is strong. Top speed is decent, with the Volvo 7.4 Gsi package rated at 385 propshaft hp.

Coming from my wild little 16' with it's 40 year old AQ200 (helmet slop) and tug boat sized prop...I had no conception what "rides like it's on rails" meant!

:beer:

[Just Say N20]

I still don't see it. Which picture is what and what sections were sanded.? Which is before and which is after. They all look similar.

I got a PM with an explanation. The bright yellow transom area has been done. The engine hatch has NOT been done, and is what the transom looked like before being wet sanded/buffed/waxed.

Bill

[CaribouLou]

Someone want to come over and do my boat? :D

[Pismo]

I got a PM with an explanation. The bright yellow transom area has been done. The engine hatch has NOT been done, and is what the transom looked like before being wet sanded/buffed/waxed.
Bill

Very cool, thanks

[DonziChris]

Almost done, The last three pictures are are before pictures.

Chris

[thehow33]

WOW!!! thats looks like new! nice job, how many hours total?

[DonziChris]

I did not really keep track of my time, but the job was not all that hard or long.

[DonziChris]

More pictures.

[Just Say N20]

That looks Fabulous!:eek:


You must be beyond pleased. :yes:

Great Job!

[jl1962]

Looks great but how stable was the boat on the cinder blocks? Couldn't pay me enough to work underneath........:boggled:

[DonziChris]

Thanks, Yes I was very happy with the results having never wet sanded gel coat before. Trust me I Don't plan on spending any time under the boat.

[2donzi2]

Boat looks beautiful. BTW, i've been under boats on blocks and they are usually pretty stable. I have invested in stands, but still would use blocks.

[seano]

Tony,

Your red boat chronicles have inspired me! Ordered the Hutchins 7544 Water-Bug III today! We'll see how this works on my BLUE boat. :)

Thanks for the informative thread.

Sean