[ledgefinder]

Any advice on how to strip or sand the paint from the plastic cowlings (such as the clamshell type on my 1989 Mariner 75hp)? I'm afraid sanding will scratch it too easily, since it's plastic - just wondering what people use.I searched the archives on this & couldn't find anything.Thanks!

[andrewkafp]

You CAN sand it. Use wet 600 to 1200 paper. After re-laquering.. Use clear coats of acrylic laquer and when dry use 1200 and extra cut to finish.

[rickdb1boat]

ledgefinder I have done this before to my rude. If you have a Home Depot or Lowes near you, there is a product that is similar to the old brush on paint stripper, only in a spray form. I don't recall the brand, but it works well. Spray in on, let it sit and hose it off! Then sand down the cowl with 200 Grit first, then wet sand it with 600, then 1200 wet-sand paper Grit to finish it off. Let it dry overnight. Prime it(2 Coats) and paint it with Tempo paint or paint from the dealer if you can get it(3 Coats). I also used a few coats of clear coat on it, too, so it would be protected from the elements. I got customized decals for mine off E-Bay, but the dealer should be able to order original decals. That paint on those cowls is tough stuff. That's why I went with the paint stripper. I really went there to get the brush-on stripper, but then saw the spray stuff and figured it might be easier and it was. I used one can of primer, 2 cans of paint and 2 cans of clear. I believe auto parts stores carry the same stripper product. Auto Zone comes to mind, as I think while looking around their, I saw the same thing. Tempo PaintsBTW- The cowling is tougher than you think. Don't worry about scatching it...