Re-Finishing Cowling

[CTsalt12]

I'm thinking about re-finishing my '97 Merc Cowling to make it purdy.  No decals, clean shiny slick looking black (hopefully).  It's faded and stained now.  I'm wondering if anyone who has done this before can give me some advice regarding how long it will take, and how good it will come out.  If it's not gonna look real good without taking it to get professionally painted then I'd rather leave it alone.  

Heres the boat / engine so you get an idea:

http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery ... G_0424.JPG

The process from what I've heard / researched is below.  Please let me know what you think, and give me your recommendations.  Change in process, preferred paint etc.   I'd love to see some pics of re-painted engines.
1. take off decals with the disc attachment to power drill
2. 3m adhesive removal or substitute on sticky remnants
3.  Sand with lower grit (300)
4. Primer, repeat above ^ 2/3 times
5. wet sand with high grit 400
6. spraypaint
7. clear coat

sounds like a cheap job, probably $20 and a couple hrs, considering I have most of this "chit."  Can it be done well without professional paint job?

[Blue Agave]

I'd use a heat gun to remove the decals, most of the glue will peel off with the decal.

[flounderpounder225]

I'd use a heat gun to remove the decals, most of the glue will peel off with the decal.

Personally, I'd find a local paint and body shop, do all the prep work yourself make it perfect!! and that takes some time... then ask them when they are shooting some black catalyzed paint, like polyurethane etc... bring it in and let them shoot it for a cheap price..probably less than $50 with left over paint they would toss anyway? Catalyzed paint will last 100 times longer in the outdoors than rattle can... JMHO...

[wingtime]

If you have access to a vinyl graphic eraser that is the best way to remove the graphics.  A heat gun is good but you risk softening the underlying paint and causing trouble (don't ask).  It is hard to tell in the pics but the paint on to motor doesn't look too bad.  If it's not peeling or pitted then all you will need is a light sanding prep with say 320 or even just hit it with a Scotch brite pad.  I have found the Mercury phantom black spray cans and the Mercury primer work VERY well.  It flows out nice and has a nice gloss.  You just have to keep a wet edge while painting each coat.

[fitz73222]

Remember that you're going to have to live with the outcome. I suggest handing it over to paint and body guy; spend the money and be happy. Scott's cowlings for the twin 75's came out beautiful from a body shop. He ordered the replacement decals from an Austrailian company at 1/2 the price of the decals from Mercury and you can't tell the difference.

[CTsalt12]

Based on your advice I think I'm going to stick to just polishing and waxing and maybe taking off decals.  Problem is, when the decals come off there will be the shape of the stickers in a different tone than the rest of the faded cowling.
Any advice on best procedure for bringing back shine to the cowling without painting?

[gran398]

Jimbo, the boys gave you great advice, I'm with them, take it to the body shop

[fitz73222]

Based on your advice I think I'm going to stick to just polishing and waxing and maybe taking off decals.  Problem is, when the decals come off there will be the shape of the stickers in a different tone than the rest of the faded cowling.
Any advice on best procedure for bringing back shine to the cowling without painting?

I would wash it with a strong solution of simple green and water and then clay bar it, followed by Mequires 105 compound, and Mequires yellow paste wax. So for about $50 she'll look as good as it can get...

[CTsalt12]

Based on your advice I think I'm going to stick to just polishing and waxing and maybe taking off decals.  Problem is, when the decals come off there will be the shape of the stickers in a different tone than the rest of the faded cowling.
Any advice on best procedure for bringing back shine to the cowling without painting?

I would wash it with a strong solution of simple green and water and then clay bar it, followed by Mequires 105 compound, and Mequires yellow paste wax. So for about $50 she'll look as good as it can get...

Sounds like the solution I'm looking for.  Thank's fitz.

[200CCPMerc200]

Here's a 260 merc that i did a couple yrs. back,

[jdupree]

As all others have said, the body shop is the way to go.  

I sent mine to a body man last year and so glad I did.  My cowling looks brand new.  The old decals were removed and I put the new decals on.  It makes the whole motor look like a new one