johnnybigrigger
Petty Officer 2nd Class
- Joined
- May 28, 2003
- Messages
- 141
Re: how can i tell if my boat is gel coat or not
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Could be your technique or products. Email me if you need help:<br />soupnazi60@yahoo.com<br /><br />Edit:<br />FWIW:<br />The gel coat on a boat is very porous, and its very absorbent and will oxidize no matter what kind of prevention measures you take.<br /><br />Start with small sections, preferably 2x2'. Using a high speed random orbital buffer, a wool buffing pad if its badly oxidized,(Stiff orange pad if its medium oxidized) and a good restorer/polish. Buff the gel coat to it original luster. Use higher speeds for polish, lower speeds if you use the foam pads that come with the buffer for wax applications. Make sure you put the polish on the pad, then apply the pad to the surface BEFORE turning on the ROP. Same when you're finished, turn off the ROP and remove the pad, then apply more product and begin the next 2'X 2' area.<br /><br />NEVER use the same foam pads that you used for polishing, for the waxing process. I prefer to wax by hand.<br /><br />While buffing, don't allow the product to dry since the gel coat is very prone to swirls and is also very absorbent.<br /><br />Wipe the product off when its just about hazed with CLEAN, 100% cotton towel.<br /><br />After the entire gel coat is buffed, rinse the boat to remove all dust. Allow it to dry and appply your favorite marine wax.<br /><br />This method is proven from Ferrari's to Chris Crafts that I've worked on.<br /><br />Happy boating!Originally posted by crazy charlie:<br />My statements are from experience not opinion.Do the post ,you have nothing to lose.Hurry up,my back is killing me.Charlie
If a gel coat is left unmaintained for a certain period of time, the pourous gel coat will remain deeply oxidized. Whether you bought it that way or not, it will be tough to tackle Thats why we wax! Protection.Originally posted by Mikevn1500:<br />I would gladly donate my boat for you to use for your "Buff off". I have tried many times to shine up my red boat,all I get is a nice shiny caulky red finish.![]()