Re: Scotch bright pad and dewaxer?
Im in the process of dewaxing my boat for priming is it ok or recommended to use a scotch bright pad to apply the interlux 202, or should I stick with rags?
3M Abrasive Cloth (Scotch Brite Pads) function the same as steel wool (except some are so abrasive they'll etch glass). They also come in different grades like steel wool - Black, Gray, Red, Green - you can look up the equivalents if you are interested.
Anyway, as tdrudd87 said, you are smearing around the old wax rather than picking it up. You are also removing a small layer of gelcoat in the process - just like steel wool would.
When you are done you will need to clean off the residue you've stirred up by wiping down with clean rags and solvent, then you'll probably need to compound out the swirls the abrasive cloth created in order to regain a shine.
If you are moving toward painting you may want to next sand with a heavier grit than was originally recommended. The 3M cloth may have driven wax residue deeper than a light sanding will remove.
