buffing around rails, cleats, etc, or remove them first?

[boatman37]

buffing the boat this weekend but also plan to rebed everything. is is a bad idea to remove the cleats and rails, etc, then buff over the holes? my concern is getting buffing compound in the holes. will this be an issue with the moisture from the compound or will it affect the curing of the 4000 or 4200? or am i better off buffing around them as good as possible then rebedding afterwards?

 

[ondarvr]

It will be much easier and look much better if you remove all the stuff before buffing. Just clean the area, which is you need to do either way.

 

[JonBrown]

We use the 3-5 inch buffer for those areas. You dont need to touch them just close. When you rag/buff the hardware it will clean the area close to it without leaving residue. If you pull hardware screws out every time you buff they may not go back. That becomes a problem . Just our way..
Jon

 

[boatman37]

No Title

here is a quick pic. i haven't started on the top at all. only worked below the rub rail. 1986 Sea Ray Sundancer 250

Steps:
1) wet sanded with 1000 grit
2) wet sanded with 1200 grit
3) buffed with Presta Gelcoat
4) waxed with Meguiars flagship

i know i should have added a polish before the wax but it looked really good as it was and i am running out of time. hopefully i can keep it looking good this year then re-do it next spring. i shouldn't need to wet sand then so hopefully won't take as long