Wet sanding...purgatory or punishment?

So I'm a little confused on the product list.
I ordered all the 3M products listed and I actually got them all for under $100 on amazon with free shipping with my prime account.

Now I need to order the buffing pads and the backing plate but when I click on the link it doesn't look like they have the same model numbers listed on the website that you have listed. Am I missing something? I know this is an older post so numbers may have changed. Any help would be great.

Gary, thanks. I ordered some.

Kristof, my son buffed an 88 Malibu Skier this past summer. The boat still has a good finish, but was starting to dull and had areas that had faded. He spent a day buffing with the 3 compounds and then waxed with Collintes and it brought it back like new.

When he did our Mustang, I'm not sure how he decided how far back to go with the sandpaper.

Thanks guy's.As you know 1st hand Bruce it takes alot of time and I didn't keep track. The sides still show the "weave" of the matt tho,and in those hollows the color is still alittle off,it's very hard to sand out.I don't think Kristof's boat will have that problem.
Thanks for the gas filler tip Bruce,I see it now on their web site.Hollywood told me about the front chocks in case you need some.

Gary, you're boat looks great. How many hours did it take to bring it back?   FYI, N3 sells the original gas filler and cap.

You and Bama are really putting some of us (I'm feeling exceedingly guilty) to shame with those 89s you're shining up.

Thanks Pete

So, Pete, what grit would you suggest to start with? 600? 800?

Riley wrote: Pete, have you used an electric sander on a boat for wet sanding? After watching David wet sand our Mustang starting with 400 and working up to 1500, I can see how it would be tempting go use one, but wonder if it would come out as good.

Bruce,
It works great! I've used the electric on glass as well on painted wood. Since the electric is more aggressive, I do recommend starting with a finer grit paper. Dave (mojo) used it on his mahogany colored glass.

Kristof wrote: Correct me if I'm wrong Greg, but you got up REALLY early this morning. Normally Pete's always the first to reply...

Kristof,
Sorry but I missed this thread yesterday. I must be needing to go to the eye doctor!

Greg's not up early, he just hadn't gone to bed yet!!

The electric will work wet as long as you use wet/dry hook and loop paper. A spray bottle of water in one hand and the RO in the other. You really don't need much water. A squirt every once in awhile just to keep the sanding slurry from clogging up the paper is all that's needed.

OK then, I'll hush.

I did mine with a DA sander and was very happy with the finish.I ended up starting with 320 and finished up with 2000.If I ever have to do this again Im going to get one of these

Kristof, your boat is about the same age as mine...so no!   

Get an assortment of paper and see what makes a difference. Every 'scratch'
from one grit has to be removed by the next. Trust me, your boat will look a lot bigger when you realize what you're in for...don't make it worse.

Trade in your sanders for a good buffer.

Well guys, I'm in the same boat. Was gonna wait till this fall to do my wet-sanding and re-decaling, but I got an e-mail from someone upon the return trip from the White Lake 'Mini'.So I had to start the 'punishment' as Randy calls it on the 93.
And again, the son-in-law was supposed to help but skipped out saying he had to go look at a car. He's getting a Nissan Armada now., well it'll be my daughter's.
So 6 hours straight of wet-sanding Saturday the 1st with 2000 grit 3M only.Probably will wet-sand again Sunday the 2nd, Only the Purple, then maybe start with the compounding and buffing.I might be done with it this weekend.My hands are all cramping so if I misspell something, so be it.
   If it turns out OK, and this person gives it the OK, I'll let you know why this had to be done right away.(No Donald, I'm not selling it!)
Although I was offered $8500 for it the other day.
Here's a few pics:

Wow what a post Randy. You left no detail out I would think. Boat looks just awesome. You gotta feel great about it and Linda must be very proud of you.

Whole thing written like a true engineer.

john

Great write and and a great job. It is definitely a lot of work restoring gel like that. I did mine last year. Now all you have to do is maintain it well and it will keep it's shine.