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  mahogany and glass restoration questions

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Author Topic:   mahogany and glass restoration questions
gamble posted 05-24-2001 12:36 PM ET (US)   Profile for gamble   Send Email to gamble  
I need to buff out the gelcoat on my 15' Supersport and need advice about what to use. Is automotive rubbing compound ok or is there something better?
The mahogany all needs refinishing and the old, peeling finish seems very thick. I had planned to remove it with one of the caustic paint removers and then refinish with some sort of spar urethane, but figured I would ask before messing something up. Any advice you have for me would be appreciated.
Thank you,
David Gamble
OutrageMan posted 05-24-2001 10:37 PM ET (US)     Profile for OutrageMan  Send Email to OutrageMan     
For the buffing, I am currently using Meguire's #44. I like the result. You might also want to try Dolphinite. Remember to follow the buffing with a finer cut product, and then apply a couple of coats of good quality wax.

As far as the varnishing, go ahead and use the stripping product you feel comfortable with. If the varnish is thick, you may need to do it twice.

Then begin sanding. Start with 60 grit, then move out to at least 220.

Begin the varnishing by thining the varnish with 25% thinner (this allows better absorbtion of the varnish for the first few coats). Sand the first coat with 400. Then apply another coat and sand again. Now use the full strength varnish. Sand between coats with 400 (lightly). Generally you should be putting on 6-12 coats of varnish. With your final 2-3 coats, use bronze wool instead of the 400 sandpaper (bronze wool is important because the tiny fibres of steel wool that you don't remove will rust).

Follow this procedure, and you should have brightwork that will look very sharp.

gamble posted 05-25-2001 11:08 AM ET (US)     Profile for gamble  Send Email to gamble     
Thanks! That helps a lot.

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