Well, I know how to polish off the oxidized top layer of paint, that's the point of polishing, after all.because the oxidized top paint layer is still there, you just end up with a shiny discoloured surface.
Yes. I was even thinking of painting the cover to match my hull, and having a custom vinyl cutout made to match the boat name.I wouldn't bother replacing the decals, would look fine without them.
Yes... that is what I said in the first paragraph my post.that's the point of polishing, after all.
It doesnt have to be oxidized all the way though for paint to be a faster and better solution.Of course, if it's oxidized all the way through, paint is the solution.
I have done frame off restorations of trucks, cars, motorcycles, and a rebuilt a few outboards over the decades. I also managed a shop for 10 years. My hard won experience says save the hassle and repaint with spray paint. It ends up looking brand new. $45 for decals is normal and cheap IMO.just wanted to know if anyone had any experience with these before I start.
That may have the advantage of making it slightly less likely to be stolen, in addition to getting the look you want.I think my boatyard has some open Awlgrip flag blue in stock, I could roll and tip it....
Hmm. Now I am thinking a rat rod style rusty outboard engine faux finish would be cool.Don't bother. That's the advice from seasoned cruisers. Why? Less chance of the motor being stolen.
Now you're talking!
I'm interested in anything you may learn once you get started. I have a stinkpot with a 1995 Mercury two-smoke motor. The motor has seen very little sun over its lifetime, and yet it looks bad. Keeping it waxed seems to have actually made it worse.deleted
Thanks Gene. I will certainly let you know. I have two motors, as I said, and I just pulled the backup's cover here at home, for a couple of reasons. One is that the motor I use regularly has a failing latch for the top cover. I haven't examined it close enough to know where it's failing, but I think it's corrosion of the piece on the cover. This spare one has a damaged decal due to someone dragging their outboard over it on the dinghy dock(!). It's in generally better shape than the other one, but I'll try washing, deep cleaning, and then polishing the top of it, the whole paint correction routine that one does while car detailing. I'll then probably finish with one of those newer ceramic coatings instead of wax. We'll see. I'll also try to do it without removing the decals, probably try masking the decals, and getting into the smaller areas by hand. If that fails, but the top surface comes out good, I'll just strip the decals and do the whole thing.I'm interested in anything you may learn once you get started. I have a stinkpot with a 1995 Mercury two-smoke motor. The motor has seen very little sun over its lifetime, and yet it looks bad. Keeping it waxed seems to have actually made it worse.
My daughter has a vinyl cutting "plotter," and she even knows how to make multi-colored "stickers," 'though I only need white.Simple adhesive lettering would be inexpensive. Having a shop make a custom vector file and print a couple labels wouldn't be.
As a matter of fact, she can make stencils with this thing, in case I want to paint on the logos.My daughter has a vinyl cutting "plotter," and she even knows how to make multi-colored "stickers," 'though I only need white.
Wax buildup ? Try stripping it without damaging the decals ?Keeping it waxed seems to have actually made it worse.
Nice ! Custom and would be more durable too.As a matter of fact, she can make stencils with this thing, in case I want to paint on the logos.
You know, I've seen truly amazing results with roll and tip. A guy in the yard this year did an Awlgrip roll and tip job on the topsides of a Nonsuch 30 and it was just amazing! And, he did it outside! Something like an outboard cover should be a piece of cake.The cover on my Yamaha 115 outboard is beyond compounding; it needs to be repainted. The outboard paint shop in Miami has complete kits to repaint. Also have tutorials on refinishing. Will need an air compressor & spray gun to get professional results.