Polishing over graphics

[tacx]

Hi All,
I have a 1996 Harris-Kayot Super Dec. It needs a good polishing. The gel coat and graphics are oxidized. Not badly, but enough that it needs a polish job. I don't have a problem with the gel coat, but I'm concerned about the graphics. The boat has several stripes the length of the boat. One is about 8" wide.

How does one handle the graphics when polishing? Will they easily burn? Is there a specific method to polishing the graphics?

Thanks

Tom

 

[AShipShow]

Yes they will burn/melt if they are vinyl. Usually the best practice is to protect them with painters tape and just be careful around them

 

[Scott Danforth]

I usually just lightly go over the graphics to clean the funk while hitting the rest of the hull heavy. however my graphics were solid color

 

[tacx]

Are the graphics (trim) made of different various materials? My trim is faded and needs to be brightened up, but I don't know what its made of? It looks oxidized? Can the trim be revitalized? Is all trim vinyl?

 

[AShipShow]

Most pin striping is vinyl... larger areas may be paint or gelcoat.. find a corner and see if you can lift a corner with your finger nail.. if yes then it's vinyl