Ghost registration numbers

Slimcobra

Member
Aug 14, 2017
102
Gulf Breeze, FL
Boat Info
2000 Sea Ray 210 SunDeck
Engines
Mercruiser 5.0 w/ Alpha 1 Gen 2
When I bought my boat I put my registration number on with temporary decals. I now want to put on numbers I like but I can still see a shadow of the numbers from before I bought the boat. I already tried the Starbrite Premium Cleaner Wax and that didn't touch it. What do you guys recommend?
 
You'll have to buff it out with a rotary or random orbital, I'd recommend a rotary with a wool cutting pad. As for products, everyone has a favorite, but I have had really good luck with the Buff Magic product, others prefer the 3m finesse it line. Either way this will get the surrounding gel coat back to the shine you found under the letters that is providing the "ghost" appearance. After you buff, preferably the entire hull so you don't leave streaks, make sure to wax it or use a glaze to protect it. Youtube is a great resource for learning this stuff if you're not already familar/comfortable
 
Buff magic is a great product. Had the same situation in 2016 and removed the ghost letters perfectly with a wool buffing pad.
 
+1 on the Buff Magic. Rotary with a wool pad will cut faster and better than a Orbital with a foam pad but the orbital may be more manageable especially if you do not have experience with or own rotary already.

-Kevin
 
Honestly, on an 18 year old boat, you may never get the ghosting to go away completely. It will get better, but the one-step buffing products may not cut fast enough. You may need to step up to a heavier cut, then progress to the lighter cuts like Buff Magic and Finesse It. And, as others have said, you need a rotary machine to make this job easier.
 
might have to 'wet sand' the area.....Google will bring up all you need to know....just start with a coarse sand paper and gradually use finer and finer grades.....then use a cutting compound with a rotary buffer and finish up with a polish and wax....it takes several steps but sometimes that is the only way to completely remove the ghosting....

cliff
 
I think I would live with it before I take sand paper to it. I do have an rotary buffer. I try a better compound with ti and see what happens. Thanks guys!
 
+1 on the Buff Magic. Rotary with a wool pad will cut faster and better than a Orbital with a foam pad but the orbital may be more manageable especially if you do not have experience with or own rotary already.

-Kevin
Solid advice!
18 year old boat: I wouldn’t bother with sanding or heavy cut compound.
Get what you can with the Buff Magic, put the new numbers over the ghosting, and live with it until the sun does it’s thing.
My boat had the previous owners vinyl name and hailing port on it when I bought it. Marine Max removed it. There was ghosting when I took delivery. I used the rotary-wool pad-buff magic routine to get it a little better but it was still there. New vinyl name and hailing port covers most of it. There is some ghosting visible if you look for it, but it isn’t immediately apparent.
I’m pretty fussy and I can live with it. That’s how little it is noticeable.
 
Last edited:
When I bought my boat I put my registration number on with temporary decals. I now want to put on numbers I like but I can still see a shadow of the numbers from before I bought the boat. I already tried the Starbrite Premium Cleaner Wax and that didn't touch it. What do you guys recommend?
We used buff magic and it worked great!
 
might have to 'wet sand' the area.....Google will bring up all you need to know....just start with a coarse sand paper and gradually use finer and finer grades.....then use a cutting compound with a rotary buffer and finish up with a polish and wax....it takes several steps but sometimes that is the only way to completely remove the ghosting....

cliff


Had somewhat of the same issue but it was related to the old name on the stern. Used 1000 grit paper followed by 2000 grit (both wet sanded) and then buffed out. You can get this grit sandpaper in any automotive store and even walmart in the auto section.

When people think of sandpaper its generally a courser grit like 150. Auto detailers use 1000, 1500, 2000 daily to blend in paint.
 
Buff Magic is the best option, but Dennis is right, I had mine done by true pros and it still did not completely disappear in certain light.

MM
 
I’ve never had much luck with Starbrite products. I’m sold on 303 or 3M. The stuff works. Waxes, cleaners, polishes, protections, etc.
 

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