Restoring shine in gelcoat?

boaterrick

boaterrick

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Joined
Dec 30, 2008
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11
I just purchased a 1970 fiberglass boat. The gelcoat on it isn't super bad, but is faded and has lost it's shine.

What I'm wondering, is what is a good way to restore/improve the look and shine of it? Is there an easy way? Is it worth the time to do?

I'm thinking of just working in some rubbing/polishing compound, buffing it, and hitting it with some wax. Thoughts on my plan, or any other ideas for it?

Thanks-
 
Bondo

Bondo

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71,241
Re: Restoring shine in gelcoat?

I'm thinking of just working in some rubbing/polishing compound, buffing it, and hitting it with some wax. Thoughts on my plan, or any other ideas for it?
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... You've got the Right Idea...

You might have to start out color sanding it with 1000grit, just to bust down the oxidation though...
 
boaterrick

boaterrick

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Joined
Dec 30, 2008
Messages
11
Re: Restoring shine in gelcoat?

Thanks for that link-I'll have to try that method

That MFG you have looks almost identical to my buddies boat...I'll have to show him what you did with yours-:cool:

With his, we ended up re-painting the blue for appearances sake, we couldn't do anything with the gelcoat, since it had been sanded some by the previous owner.
Here's what it looked like before and after the painting...
before.jpg

blue.jpg


It isn't the best paint job-but it sure looks a lot better than it did. Since my gelcoat is in a better condition than his was, I'm hoping it can just be restored and get a decent shine/color.
 
Mark42

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: Restoring shine in gelcoat?

Wow! Nice job fixing it up. It does look like an MFG. Maybe a Westfield or Edinboro. Although the lump in the bow deck looks like an owner add-on. Check with fiberglassics.com after they get their site reorganized. They are working on it now, but your friend can browse some old sales brochures from the 60's and 70's that should identify it if it is an MFG.

This link might still work:

http://www.fiberglassics.com/mfg/
 
K

kabcpapc

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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May 31, 2008
Messages
98
Re: Restoring shine in gelcoat?

My 1977 CollinsCraft's surface was also powdery. On a whim, I used Lysol Mildew Remover with Bleach applied with paper towels and did that take the white powder off. Left a good surface for the rubbing compound.
 
catfish hunter

catfish hunter

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 15, 2007
Messages
40
Re: Restoring shine in gelcoat?

I'm doing the same thing right now on my boat. The top area on my boat is very dull and looks nothing like the sides. Rubbing compound and a buffer alone will not get the job done. I'm wet sanding and then buffing. I start off using 1000 grit sand paper, then 1500, and Finlay 2000. In the really bad areas ill start off using 800 grit and move up from there. Next ill clean and buff using 3M rubbing compound/wax for boats. You can find this in wal-mart for about 6-7 dollars. I have tried using many different products. This one seems to work the best. I know this all sounds like a lot of work but its really not. Just do a little at a time. When your done you will have a shine like no other!
Ill post up some pic's of mine later on. I have only done one side right now. You can see the differents.
 
boaterrick

boaterrick

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Joined
Dec 30, 2008
Messages
11
Re: Restoring shine in gelcoat?

I saw the "as seen on tv" badge too, and that worries me. I think unless somebody has tried this product and it really does do what it is supposed to..it is too rich for my blood for testing..
 
J

JorgeE

Seaman
Joined
Mar 21, 2008
Messages
51
Re: Restoring shine in gelcoat?

I used Meguiars Oxidation Remover #49 with a high speed buffer on our 89 Celebrity. It went from faded and splotchy to deeper color, and shiny. I'd recommend the Oxidation Remover. In areas the buffer can't get to well, I simply used a terry wash cloth with the atuff and rubbed by hand.
I then waxed it with good carnauba wax and made it look eve better.

Jorge
 
R

Rusty Boater

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 19, 2007
Messages
96
Re: Restoring shine in gelcoat?

Meguiars has a three step "gel coat restorer" kit you can order online. I used it on the chalkboard that i called my bayliner and even a year later it is still slick and more stain resistant than ever.

I also had great luck with "FSR" gel when getting the stains and water line off proir to using the three step program.

Great for the arm muscles!!!

Wax on Wax off Danielson.
 
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