Trying to bring back finish on fibreglass gell coat.

[gotfish]

I'm getting sun damage to the top of my boat. I'm Looking for any suggestions from any of your experiences.

 

Thanks

[OhioFisherman]

http://www.starbrite.com/category/wax-polish

 

I used their products on my SeaRay.

[grimsbylander]

I assume you are talking about hazing in your gel coat? If so, check out Protec Products online. It's amazing stuff and it LASTS.

[GBW]

Can Tire sell's a Mothers brand of deoxidiser that works well. then a clear coat sealer. I swear that there was a post on deoxidiser's not to long ago if you search for it.

[Canuck]

I had a boat years ago that had a red gel coat section right under the rub rail that oxidized to a pinky haze. I tried everything to bring it back. All rubbing compounds, polishes, but it always came back after a couple months. I event tried progressive wet sanding of 400, then 600 then 1000 then 1500 followed by polishing compound and then wax. That lasted one season then by fall, it was back. Do't use vertglass. It looks OK for a couple months then peels off and looks horrible. I think maybe the only sure might be a proper clear coat painting after thorough sanding, but if you are going to do that, you might as well use a marine paint and maybe change the colour if you wanted. Another simple option might be a vinyl wrap that you see on some boats. Probably expensive, but would look good..

[misfish]

When I wanted a nice shine for a few days during bass tournys, I used Pledge spray polish. Ya it dosent last long, but boy does it shine.

[grimsbylander]

Depending on the condition of the gelcoat, there are a number of ways to completely restore the finish. If the boat has fairly heavy oxidation, wet sanding is most likely required. Don't be intimidated, its just elbow grease and if you use the right products and follow the sequence the results are awesome and it DOES last. I have the products and the method if you're interested.

 

Here are a couple before and after pics from a boat I did last fall.

 

Before:

 

After:

 

With the oxidation removed, the blue really comes through and got much deeper. Those pictures were taken the same day one hour apart.

[gotfish]

Thanks for the responses. Grimby, I'd be interested in the process u did. Looks like it turned out pretty good. I also have metallic

[Rattletrap2]

Depending on the condition of the gelcoat, there are a number of ways to completely restore the finish. If the boat has fairly heavy oxidation, wet sanding is most likely required. Don't be intimidated, its just elbow grease and if you use the right products and follow the sequence the results are awesome and it DOES last. I have the products and the method if you're interested.

 

Here are a couple before and after pics from a boat I did last fall.

 

Before:

 

After:

 

With the oxidation removed, the blue really comes through and got much deeper. Those pictures were taken the same day one hour apart.

Wow, nice work! Is that clear coated after the polishing?

[grimsbylander]

^^^^ Absolutely not! That was 1500 >>> 2000 wet sanded, buffed with a moisturizer, and sealed. That boat will look fantastic all summer because the sealant will prevent further oxidation.