I'm re-doing the vinyl naming and hailing port decals on my hatch, since the vinyl has gotten old and it's time to spruce it up a bit.

After removing the old decals, I'm sure there's going be a noticeable difference between what's been exposed and what's been covered, so what's the best product to use for blending and smoothing out the finish. It's on the rear of my engine hatch.

Thanks.

Hey Nick,

I've done a few and it varies. On some we've just been able to use my OX. Remover, but on others we've lightly wetsanded with 2K grit. It's one of those jobs that you just have to see and try.

Donnie

I second what marineclean says...plus it may take a week or two for it to even out after you try cleaning it up....i took a name off the side of my boat and it was like taking a painting off a wall in a house that was full of smokers! Night and day difference......i wetsanded my gel starting with 900 and working up to 2k and it made it look tons better....leaving it out in the sun for a few weeks after that and it was like it was never there now.......if you look close enough and at the right angle from the side yo can still see there was something there though...but i'm happy overall

It is also possible it has changed from UV exposure and nothing will get it to match 100%.

Thanks guys.

Donnie, tell me about you oxidation remover. Is it abrasive or chemical? or both? Oh, and where do I buy it now. I'm not calling Trick anymore.

It's a very fine grit chemical compound. It can be use by hand, but I would hit your area with a buffer Nick.
Jim over at Top Notch Performance Marine has been great. He's an advertiser here on the board and will be in my booth during the Miami show.

Donnie

I agree with with Donnie about Top Notch. Bought the Leverage Polish and Metal Serum over. Even over the holidays the shipping was better than I expected.
Dave

Thanks again. Sounds like a great product, I'm ordering some today from Top Notch. I've got a nice professional makita random-orbit buffer, so I'm planning on using that.

Thanks fellas.

Alright. I ordered up some Leverage products from Top Notch.

LEVERAGE OXIDATION REMOVER
LEVERAGE VINYL / LEATHER CLEANER
LEVERAGE WOOL PAD
LEVERAGE BLACK FINESSING PAD

Hopefully, it's here by this weekend. I'll take pics, let you guys know how it goes.

How did your project turn out?