Cleaning Bronze portholes

[B.Jones]

As the new owner of a '87 Com-Pac 19/II I am trying to get her cleaned up and personalized.  What is the best way to clean and shine the salty looking green bronze portholes without taking the entire  porthole out and soaking it? I know the green looks salty but since the teak and fiberglass are getting a new look I was hoping the bronze could too.  Thanks in advance for any response and I have been enjoying this forum for several months while searching for my new boat.
Bruce

[steve brown]

Hi B. Jones, I cleaned up my portholes using a Dremel tool with a wire brush attachment, followed by two coats of clear laquer. Steve

[Craig Weis]

Skip here. I use W. J. Hagerty & Sons, Ltd. South Bend, Indiana 46619 product called
Hagerty 100 ...Cleans-Polishes-Protects-Restores
Chrome, Copper, Brass, Bronze, Aluminum, Pewter, Stainless Steel. All Metals.
A soft cloth or old tooth brush and a good arm work out, vola! Shine.

[B.Jones]

Thanks, Steve and Skip.
Steve - What type of clear lacquer do you use?
Skip - where can I find Hagerty 100 (Lowe's, Home Depot)?

One other question, guys, what is the best way to remove a painted on boat name without messing up the gel coat?
Bruce

[steve brown]

HI Bruce, The lacquer that I used came in one of our cars touch up paint kit. Lacquer has recently been  banned by the Fed. Govt. so I use clear Polyurethane instead. Steve

[ramble on]

To remove a painted boat name you will need an oscillating buffer/polisher or a sander. No matter how the paint is taken off, you will have the shadow of the name showing through.

The buffer uses rubbing compound or you  can sand off the white shadow with some really fine paper 1500 - 2000. The oscillating aspect protects the gelcoast from scratch marks.

To remove paint, I have had good results with a new, sharp plastic putty knife. Hold it nearly flat on the surface with the sharp edge down. It should pop old paint right off.