[C320-list] Pedestal gauge panel "refinish"

[Troy Dunn]

Scott

I think both the wax fill method and the hard roller method sound
promising.   If you go hard roller you'll probably need to use a very 'dry'
paint, kinda like stenciling I suppose.   Please post back any attempts,
results, etc.

Troy

On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, Scott Westwood <scottwestwood at bellsouth.net>
wrote:

> I am thinking along the lines of:
> 1. clean the surface. Making sure the lettering voids are all clear of
> anything.  Sand the surface if I have to (not the voids).  Very fine wet
> sandpaper if needed.2. (tricky/meticulous part)...fill the lettering voids
> with something I can remove later like cheap silicone or beeswax. Maybe
> spray/put non-stick like PAM into the voids first?  Making sure "only" the
> lettering voids are filled. 3. Paint (or ink) the panel surface the color I
> want (haven't decided color yet).4. pick out what is filling the lettering
> void.
>
> What I am not sure of is... Is the intent of the lettering to let light
> through? (backlighted)???  Mine is fully painted so nothing gets through.
>
> If no backlighting is intended then you could simply paint the lettering
> voids one color, then fill them with removable material, then paint the
> panel surface with another color.  Maybe simpler to just clean/paint entire
> thing one color.  Then use a hard ink roller to color over the panel.  This
> "should" allow the letter voids to be untouched and create the contrast....
> This process would require meticulous details to look good but can be
> done.  Definitely a winter project that I would take my time on.  If
> results are worth it.  Can't be much worse than what I have now.  Looks
> sloppy.
> Thanks,
> Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net <javascript:;> H
> (919)-362-8538    C (919)-618-7185
>
>       From: Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com <javascript:;>>
>  To: "C320-List at catalina320.com <javascript:;>" <C320-List at catalina320.com
> <javascript:;>>
>  Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2016 6:46 AM
>  Subject: Re: [C320-list] Pedestal gauge panel "refinish"
>
> We are planning the same project in the fall.  Very interested in hearing
> approaches.  The panel is black plastic, so the engraved lettering is not
> painted.  I suspect at the factory the panels are painted first, covered
> with a protective paper, and then engraved so that the plastic shows
> through and the protective paper removed to show the white surface.  Have
> not yet figured out a good approach to painting the surface while leaving
> the lettering unpainted.
>
> Troy and Kim Dunn
> Hull #514 s/v Wonky Dog
> Tidewater Marina, Havre De Grace, MD
>
> On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, Scott Westwood <scottwestwood at bellsouth.net
> <javascript:;>>
> wrote:
>
> > Before we spend "several" hundreds of dollars (based on web search) for a
> > replacement pedestal gauge panel, has anybody "refinished" one?
> > I have thoughts on how to do it but just asking what, if anything, others
> > have done to spruce it up. PO has painted it and the paint is flaking
> > etc... and it looks pretty bad.  Whole thing needs new rocker switch
> > covers, etc...
> > It is not worth hundreds of dollars for a replacement.  That is
> ridiculous.
> > Thanks,
> > Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net <javascript:;>
> <javascript:;> H
> > (919)-362-8538    C (919)-618-7185
> >
>
>
>
>