I had to travel from the OBX to Washington DC today and considering the lovely weather I figured it would be great to take US17 between Gloucester and Fredericksburg thus creating an opportunity stop by Regent Point Marina and have another look at "SeaSprite." Since late November I have been "chomping at the bit" to make some progress on the "To Do" list but both weather and work have conspired against me. With the mercury pressing towards 70 degrees I was determined to get something done today! Specifically, I decided to work on cleaning/removing the oxidation from the portlight lenses. I love the original Bomar ports which are very heavy duty bronze. Unfortunately, the lenses are so oxidized as to be almost completely opaque.
After watching a few DIY videos on YouTube I decided to try the toothpaste remedy before escalating to a more robust approach which involves a power drill and sanding discs. After about an hour and a half of vigorous "wax on - wax off" maneuvering I had cleaned the four portlights on the starboard side of the salon. The result was reasonable improvement but not a complete success.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Clearly a more aggressive technique is required. Next visit I will be armed with a power drill and special sanding discs designed for just this sort of challenge.
Provided the problem is at the surface, and not something that has happened within the Lexan itself, the foam cutting pad on the end of a drill will work. Use a cutting compound from the auto-parts store. I used a dual action polisher and a foam pad, with a rubbing/cutting compound. Keep it moving back and forth in a pattern, and if it starts to get warm at all, stop, and perhaps dab a bit of water on the pad.
ReplyDeleteFollow up with a coat of wax. You should get a crystal-clear panel.
John - Thanks for the info. That's certainly my plan. Shall post updates after the next round. Fairwinds! Dale
ReplyDelete