Transom Lettering and Raised Surface

Fill Ess

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Oct 16, 2020
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I just removed the lettering to add the new name and port, and there is a raised surface where both of the previous names used to be. It almost looks embossed. Each of the previous names were there for about 8 years each. Now that I think of it, the second name was a similar font and the exact same size as the first - maybe to cover it? If you run your hand across you can feel the change in the surface. Any ideas what causes this?
 
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Photo of the issue
 
Think you are going to need to compound and then polish that out.
 
I did try heavy compound on a wool pad, and it wouldn't touch it but did clear up the oxidation.
 
The gelcoat that WASN'T under the letters has diminished (gotten thinner) over time due to oxidation and compounding. Oxidiation (it eats away at the gelcoat) happens no matter what, but it happens to a greater extent when waxing isn't kept up with. The only way to smooth it out is sanding/compounding - but be careful not to attach the surround gel too much. Yes, it will work - you probably just didn't hit it hard enough.
 
I had something close when I was at the fiberglass shop. Took about 10 minutes with a DA with 320gt sand paper. Hit it very lightly just on the raised spots then cut and buffed the area. If you are worried about the area taking too much gel coat off, you can always sand with courser paper and spray the area. Clean it good with acetone then sand smooth and cut and buff. It's a messy job but not that bad. I have recoated several John Boats in the garage over the winter months. Just a very dusty job.
 
You should be able to remove that by wet sanding. Make sure you use a sanding block to keep the surface flat and to keep as much of the surrounding material as possible intact. Keep a garden hose on it when sanding.

I would start with something very fine like 1000 grit and see what it does, only moving to courser grades if you need to. You will want to work your way back up to a 2000 grit to finish sand, then compound and polish to bring the shine back and remove fine scratches. Each sanding step should remove the sanding marks from the previous grit.
 

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