PDA

View Full Version : whats a good way to restore your gelcoat


jetboatjoe
11-22-2006, 05:49 PM
my boat has pretty bad oxidation how do i get back that shine what can i use
wolfie
11-22-2006, 06:32 PM
If a polishing compound won't work, you coould go a little heavier with a rubbing compund followed up with a polishing compound. If that doesn't work color sanding/rubbing compound/polishing compound should do the trick.
atxwrangler
11-22-2006, 07:46 PM
wet sand with 600 grit then clear coat if it is pretty bad!
DUCKY
11-22-2006, 09:06 PM
If the gelcoat has visible oxidation, don't bother trying to buff it. It needs to be sanded off first. Gelcoat is very porous and by buffing, you open up the pores and the gel sucks in the oxidation. It disappears for a very short time and then rears it's ugly head. Wet sand with 800 or 1000 and then with 1500, and then buff with 3M's Marine compound and wool pad, then finish with their final glaze and a grey foam pad. From there on, keep it protected with any quality marine product that does not contain carnuba. I use a few different steps and products at my shop, but this will give you very high quality results without buying a bunch of extra materials.
HammerDown
11-23-2006, 12:45 AM
I got tired of the on-going fight w/Oxidation, cleared over the Gell.
Should have done it years ago.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1064Picture_049-med.jpg
75MillerJet
11-23-2006, 11:58 PM
If the gelcoat has visible oxidation, don't bother trying to buff it. It needs to be sanded off first. Gelcoat is very porous and by buffing, you open up the pores and the gel sucks in the oxidation. It disappears for a very short time and then rears it's ugly head. Wet sand with 800 or 1000 and then with 1500, and then buff with 3M's Marine compound and wool pad, then finish with their final glaze and a grey foam pad. From there on, keep it protected with any quality marine product that does not contain carnuba. I use a few different steps and products at my shop, but this will give you very high quality results without buying a bunch of extra materials.
why is carnauba bad?
flat broke
11-24-2006, 07:38 AM
why is carnauba bad?
Relatively low melting point, can be broken down easily with most detergent type soaps, and thus needs more frequent reapplication.
Chris