Buff out scrapes and scratches in gel coat?

[OllieC]

I recently pulled the boat out of storage and removed the heat shrink. Unfortunately where the rope was tied around the hull, it scraped and chafed the hull. Plus I think the guy that did it nicked some of the gel coat. It isn't down to the glass but there are some noticeable scratches.
What should I use? A compound, polish in those areas?
Thanks

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Buff out scrapes and scratches in gel coat?

Depends on how deep the scratches are. You may need to start out with something as aggressive as 800 wet sandpaper and work up to 2000 wet before moving to buffing compound. Post some photos of the damage if you can.

If the nicks go through the clear down to the color there's something else you can try. It's not a perfect fix, but it'll fix gel good enough to not be noticeable. Clean out the nick with about 800 grit sandpaper, clean with acetone, then fill with clear gelcoat, using the bare minimum amount needed. You can level the repair with a straightedge (a single edged razor blade works for this) before the gel cures. I've done this for some nicks and gouges on my boat and unless you get up close and really look you'll never see the repair.

 

[OllieC]

Re: Buff out scrapes and scratches in gel coat?

I'll have to snap some this weekend.

 

[captain zac]

Re: Buff out scrapes and scratches in gel coat?

If you have scratches I like to start with the least aggressive product first
try polish first if that does not work then
try light compound followed by polish
if that does not work then
heavy compound followed by light compound followed by polish
I think you get the picture

Harry