What to use to strip off old Sharkhide?

Time Off · 09-09-2009, 10:23 AM

I put on 2 coats of Sharkhide 6 years ago when my boat was new. It has worked pretty good, but now is scuffed from dock bumpers. I would like to strip off the Sharkhide, buff, re-apply.

I thought I would try laquer thinner?

Highmark · 09-09-2009, 11:01 AM

I think the can says lacquer thinner for cleaning before applying it.
and same for removing it.

Time Off · 09-09-2009, 12:45 PM

I will give it a go, thanks.

trap50 · 09-09-2009, 04:47 PM

Don't think it will work.

SOL · 09-10-2009, 08:48 AM

I just did mine, acetone worked well..

Highmark · 09-10-2009, 11:03 AM

I did a test lst night. Lacquer thinner did a good job of it.
I had some spots by the gas filler that needed touch up done to the it.

Time Off · 09-11-2009, 11:09 AM

So after you strip off the old Sharkhide what do you use to polish before re-applying the hide? I have a side grinder with polishing disc and an orbital polisher. Several different polishing products on the market just wanted to hear what others have had success with, thanks.

whatza Duckworth?? · 09-11-2009, 11:49 AM

Mothers & some "elbow grease"

t_birder · 09-14-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Time Off

So after you strip off the old Sharkhide what do you use to polish before re-applying the hide? I have a side grinder with polishing disc and an orbital polisher. Several different polishing products on the market just wanted to hear what others have had success with, thanks.

Hey there guys,
Sorry I didn't catch your thread earlier. I try to help on so many different forums, it gets a bit hard to keep up.
I normaly use Lacquer thinner as the solvent to remove Sharkhide. But there are others that will work as well. Just be SURE that these solvents don't leave a residue.
As far as polishing goes, I use my own brand polish and a variable speed buffer like you see in body shops. If you go to my web site and go to the "Metal Polish" page, you'll see the type of buffer I use as well as a vedio clip on how I polish aluminum. This may help speed up your project if you've never done it before.
Although polishes like Mothers are a very high quality, remember they were blended more for touching up already polished surfaces, not so much for polishing plain raw aluminum. It will work, but it takes a whole lot longer than a polish designed to cut and polish raw metals.
I hope this helps,
Clint