How to make body ghost look go away.

443joshc

Cadet
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
13
I just got a 1981 16ft Sea Sprite that either has the clear coat coming off or just needs a scrub down. I tried to use my finger to rub it off and it sortive seems to work. I didn't know if anyone had this same issue or had any advice. Thanks
 

maxum247

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Sep 18, 2007
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1,363
Re: How to make body ghost look go away.

My first thought would be to wash it throughly with boat soap and see how it comes out, may just be grime on the surface, at any rate it will give you a better idea if there is a clear coat finish that is coming off.

max!
 

5150abf

Vice Admiral
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Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: How to make body ghost look go away.

When clear coat comes off it actally chips, you may just have some oxidation.

Unless it has recently been repainted I doubt it is base/clear and is more likely single stage and just needs buffed out.

Take a t shirt and rub it kinda hard, it if gets better then get some finish buffing compound and get to work.
 

boat1010

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Mar 10, 2009
Messages
781
Re: How to make body ghost look go away.

There are a lot of buffing compounds out there. If the washing doesn't do anything.(probably won't) then you need to get going with some elbow grease. A good rubbing compound and a variable speed buffer does wonders. If that doesn't do it then there is always wet sanding. I started out with 400grit then went to 1000grit. then buffed that out.. Looks great. I used some Maguires diamond cut rubbing compound. That really gets after it. Good luck.
 

5150abf

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5,808
Re: How to make body ghost look go away.

just so you know, boat 1010 was working gelcoat which is much thicker than paint, if you should have to use any sandpaper I would go with 2000 wet.

400 is really aggressive and 1000 is really to heavy for a finish sand, I work in a body shop part time and we use 2000 then a good finish compound, try just the compund first before going to any kind of paper.
 

443joshc

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Mar 18, 2009
Messages
13
Re: How to make body ghost look go away.

I am pretty sure it is just bad oxidation. What are some of the better rubbing compounds?
 

5150abf

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Aug 12, 2007
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5,808
Re: How to make body ghost look go away.

I used stuff from Auto zone, it was 3M finish compound but they will have it at any auto parts store, they usually have more wax and stuff than car parts anymore.

If you do it by hand it is really hard to screw it up but if you use a buffer keep moving and watch corners and body lines as you will burn through.
 

443joshc

Cadet
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
13
Re: How to make body ghost look go away.

Ok, I tried useing some 1000 grit paper with water it seem to help but, on the spot i was working I seem to still have some white chaulk looking stuff still on it. Will these come off will compound or should I be doing something different. Sorry to sound new at this I just want to make my old boat to look like new. I guess high hopes. Thanks to all who have posted.
 

443joshc

Cadet
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
13
Re: How to make body ghost look go away.

I have tried the sand paper and compound and it still doesn't seem to take it off. Does anyone know any other ideas. Please help. Thanks.
 

maxum247

Lieutenant
Joined
Sep 18, 2007
Messages
1,363
Re: How to make body ghost look go away.

I know I buffed my boat real good with an electric buffer few years ago with compund that was designed to use on fiberglass, looked pretty good to and in a few days it basically looked like it did before I started.
 

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fat fanny

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Feb 9, 2006
Messages
1,935
Re: How to make body ghost look go away.

search posts by Mark42 (polishing the gel coat is working great!) posted May 22nd 2004. I'm gonna try it when the weather clears up just not sure weather to use paste or liquid? after the comet
 
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