repainting engine cover

[dreamchaser]

hello all,,,need to repaint my 1983 115 rude engine cover ....anyone know which grit of sand paper to rough it up and not to create scratches later......any thoughts and ideas appreciated. thks

 

[SaltyJB]

Re: repainting engine cover

hello all,,,need to repaint my 1983 115 rude engine cover ....anyone know which grit of sand paper to rough it up and not to create scratches later......any thoughts and ideas appreciated. thks

 

[SaltyJB]

Re: repainting engine cover

Sounds like a fun and rewarding project.
I'd start with a finer grade of paper (220?) and work my way down. You just need to break through the hard coat. It may take a grit quite a bit coarser than 220, but better to start easy and not be sorry. I know that it takes an 80 grit to prepare a new gelcoat for bottom paint. Good luck.

 

[bennettrp]

Re: repainting engine cover

I'd try 600 or finer to begin with. Also wet sand it.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: repainting engine cover

I'd try 600 or finer to begin with. Also wet sand it.

Yep, 600, no more than 400. You can use 220 if you are going to prim it all and then wet sand the primer with 600 before painting. I hope yours comes out as good as mine, but I have a background in auto painting so I base coat clear coated mine.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: repainting engine cover

I took mine all the way down using paint stripper. Then sanded with 200, 400 and finished off with 600 and applied 2 coats of primer, 3 coats of paint and clear coat. turned out real well. Home depot has a spray-on stripper that took the old stuff right off of every nook and cranny. Got decals off Ebay...

 

[dreamchaser]

Re: repainting engine cover

thks guys ........went out and bought some 400 wet sand to start takin the old off ...now if the weather would cooperate .......looks brand new LubeDude..nice job........