Cleaning hinges & retaping

If your ship needs buffing out, I'd do that first. That way you won't hurt the tape, because your going to replace it later, anyway. Next, I would not worry about the internal seals (I have proven to myself that properly applied Mylar seals is all that is needed). Lastly, I remove the grease and goo with Acetone, having used it for 40 years with no adverse effects to gelcoat or urethane....................flame suit on!
Have fun,
JJ

On Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 9:25:49 AM UTC-5, wrote:
If your ship needs buffing out, I'd do that first. That way you won't hurt the tape, because your going to replace it later, anyway. Next, I would not worry about the internal seals (I have proven to myself that properly applied Mylar seals is all that is needed). Lastly, I remove the grease and goo with Acetone, having used it for 40 years with no adverse effects to gelcoat or urethane....................flame suit on!
Have fun,
JJ

Exactly the way I do it also.
Using cotton swabs(not with plastic sticks) for hinge cleaning can help in reducing the amount of stuff slopped around.
Have "fun"
UH

Yep, the plastic sticks can dissolve in acetone!
Don't flood things, just get it as clean as you can.

Then, go do other things so the acetone can evaporate BEFORE applying any kind of lube.