2003 Four Winns: Buffing Out Scratches

[Hjames710]

We have a 2003 Four Winns Horizon 190 in deep green. Over the years it has gotten many dock scratches. I figured I'd show the progress I've made buffing them. P.S. Steam clean your boats carpet every once in a while. I just did ours for the first time since we bought it in '03, it was pretty dirty and it looks great now.

 

[Hjames710]

Re: 2003 Four Winns: Buffing Out Scratches

None of my buffing ideas worked. Any advice?

 

[BWT]

Re: 2003 Four Winns: Buffing Out Scratches

what were you using when buffing? Ex: which compound, buffing pad, etc. Also, if you could post some pics that would be helpful in determining if they are superficial (can be buffed out) or if they need to be filled.

 

[Hjames710]

Re: 2003 Four Winns: Buffing Out Scratches

I can't seem to get a picture where the scratches show up. They're really shallow, just little ones from rubbing up against the dock. I used the same stuff I used for polishing an acrylic aquarium, Novus(sp?). I figured that I'd try what I have before buying different stuff.

 

[Hjames710]

Re: 2003 Four Winns: Buffing Out Scratches

Got some pics with my HTC Incredible

 

[BWT]

Re: 2003 Four Winns: Buffing Out Scratches

When you spray water on the scratches, do they turn a shade of green? If they do, then you'll probably be able to wet sand them out (using a sanding block). If they stay white, then you'll need to add gelcoat to fill the scratches. If wetsanding will work, start with 600 grit and work almost all of the scratches out, then go to 800 then 1200 and buff with some type of rubbing compound / oxidation remover (not a polish).

If you need to add gelcoat, contact Spectrum Color for a factory match touchup paste (typically around $15). Make sure to buff the area around the scratches before laying up any gel to restore the appearance then lay in the gel (otherwise you will have a halo around the touchups). Be sure to clean and prep with acetone.

More than likely most will sand/buff out, but a couple may need to be filled. Sand first to see what you can work out then fill whatever is left
Hope this helps!

 

[Hjames710]

Re: 2003 Four Winns: Buffing Out Scratches

Thanks very much. I'm kind of worried about the wet sanding, I don't want to make it worse.

 

[BWT]

Re: 2003 Four Winns: Buffing Out Scratches

Don't be worried; remember what kind of grit you're working with (very fine that doesn't remove material quickly). Take your time and do this with a bright light shining behind you so you can tell if you're getting thin on the gel (it will appear a lighter shade of green)... When in doubt, stop, take pics and post with Q's... Good luck!