can you go through the process. Like what kind of sand paper and grit. ALso your black looks great. Where did you get it? Also where did you get the lettering? Looks good.
Sure.
Step 1 - Remove old decals
Step 2 - Remove old decal glue
Step 3 - Cuss and kick and continue to remove old decal glue
Step 4 - De-grease entire cowl with a paint grade silicone/degreaser
Step 5 - Mix putty and fill all dings and scratches
Step 6 - Sand (very evenly) with 120 grit paper
Step 7 - Sand (very evenly) with 180 grit paper
Step 8 - Sand (very evenly) with 220 grit paper
Step 9 - Sand (very evenly) with 320 grit paper
Step 10 - Sand (very evenly) with 400 grit paper
Step 11 - Sand (very evenly) with 600 grit paper
Step 12 - Sand (very evenly) with 800 grit paper
Rinse and dry between step 6 and 12....between every step.
Step 13 - De-grease entire cowl with a paint grade silicone/degreaser
Step 14 - Tack cloth off entire cowling to remove and lint/dust/debri
Step 15 - Spray one coat of sealer
Step 16 - Spray second coat of sealer
Step 17 - Spray one coat of primer
Step 18 - Spray second coat of primer
Step 19 - Spray one coat of base
Step 20 - Spray second cot of base
Step 21 - Spray third coat of base
Step 22 - Spray one coat of clear
Step 23 - Spray second coat of clear
Step 24 - Spray third coat of clear
Allow to dry 24 hours minimum
Step 25 - Wet sand with 800 grit
Step 26 - Wet sand with 1200 grit
Step 27 - Wet sand with 1500 grit
Step 28 - Wet sand with 3000 grit
Step 29 - Wet sand with 5000 grit
Wash the cowl between every step of 25 and 29.
Step 30 - Buff with stage 1 cutting compound
Step 31 - Buff with stage 2 polishing compound
Step 32 - Buff with stage 3 ultra fine compound
I use 3m compound and pads for the above. Its a $200 kit but well worth it and can be used for a while.
Then apply decals and polish!
As for the paint, I have a local store that supplies all of the local body shops. They carry DuPont paint. I picked a black and had them add red and silver flake until it was to my liking. A pint of paint and clear can get REALLY expensive so it is not for the faint of heart if you have no experience.
I shoot everything with an Iwata HVLP spray gun. For heavy metallics like this I use a minimum of 1.5mm nozzle.
The cool thing is, you can get creative on these cowling and really make you boat unique. I think incorporating a flake similar to the color of your boat is awesome. Ties it together and really separates it from all the other "me too" factory boats.
And the super awesome part, if you screw up, all you have to do is start over at step 6 and give her another try. It's just paint. It will sand off.
You could shave in the morning looking into that thing. 
![[Linked Image]](https://texasfishingforum.com/forums/pics/userpics/2024/04/full-34440-220821-texas_rangers_2023_world_series_champions_5.jpg)
