Discolored white gelcoat

[98Shabah]

I've purchased a 12 year old Mariah bowrider that has some discoloration/yellowing of the white gelcoat.. The yellowing only appears on the edges of gelcoated surfaces near the vinyl uphostery as if whatever vinyl protectant overspray that the previous owner used has stained the gelcoat. I've tried polishing compound and magic erasers to try to remove the yellowing, both to no avail. Do you guys have any suggestions of other things to try?

Thanks
-Tim

 

[robert graham]

Re: Discolored white gelcoat

The white gelcoats seem to get those yellowish or brownish stains right down in them and very difficult to remove. I've tried bleach, purple power, peroxide, abrasive pads, polishes, others, not all that much luck. Let us know if you come up with a magic solution to this. Good Luck!

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Discolored white gelcoat

Elbow grease and 1000 grit wet sand paper followed up with rubbing compound?

that would be my guess....the wet sand will take away layers of gelcoat quick....be careful you dont sand too much off and get down to the fiberglass...

 

[semo549]

Re: Discolored white gelcoat

Use toilot bowl cleaner, it has to have the ingredient hydrogen chloride in it for it to work, Not all the cleaners have it. Squirt some on your gel coat, let it sit for 10 minutes and give it a rub down and it will be good as white. Make sure you wear gloves, that stuff is pretty ruthless. After you get it white throw a nice coat of wax on it.

I have a 77' sea ray that was all yellowed out, that stuff will make it bright white again.

 

[98Shabah]

Re: Discolored white gelcoat

Thanks for the ideas guys. I will try the toilet bowl cleaner first, if no luck with that I'll move on to wetsanding and rubbing it out.

The discoloration is really close to the upper panels of the vinyl uphostery, I'll see how easy it is to remove the upper upholstery panels before using the toilet bowl cleaner.. I can't imagine it would do the vinyl any good.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Discolored white gelcoat

Have you tried StarBrite hull cleaner? You would have to dilute it before it hit the carpet.

Wear gloves. it's nothing but acid.

 

[MyViewGS]

Re: Discolored white gelcoat

anyone tried BUFF MAGIC ? or is it just another rubbing compound ?

 

[reelnative]

Re: Discolored white gelcoat

hahaha you guys crack me up sandpaper hahahaha why not just go at it with a pic axe, in the boat detailing buss people use this stuff called mary kate on and off it will remove any and I mean any stain from fiberglass even rust or that funki brown yellow stuff you get on the bottom of you hull from the brown water, just dont get it on sst or galv metal, you can buy it at any marine supply store

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Discolored white gelcoat

Use On/Off on "yellowed" gelcoat, right next to the upholstery? Uummm, NOT a good idea. Unless you are REAL careful. Use eye, hand, and lung protection, if you do.