Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

[whitedesigns]

My boat was docked and rubbed a small area (about 6" square) The boat is new, and the only damage is a dulling of the gelcoat in the area that it rubbed. What is the best way to restore the shine? I tried auto wax and finesse, but you can still see the dull area. Help!

 

[Terry H]

Re: Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

Depends how rough it is, may only need buffing. If that isn't enough it will need wetsanding and buffing. It's not a big deal for a f/g repairperson. You can look in the phone book and find someone that repairs f/g bathtubs and spas...it could be a 10 minute job...just a thought

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

Just wet sand the areas. Use some 600, then 1000, then 1200, then buff out by hand. Good as new,minimal effort for such small areas, and costs nothing but a few bucks and some time. Good luck...

 

[whitedesigns]

Re: Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

Thanks for the advise! I am probably being overly picky, but I've only had the boat 3 months, and I want to keep it as new for as long as I can.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

You can also try 3M Marine restorer wax ($10 at Walmart) or similar products from Mequiars Marine line. <br /><br /> http://www.meguiars.com/store_meguiars/index.cfm

 

[ronmold]

Re: Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

This stuff works great for gelcoat: Novus 2. I've polished plastic projector lenses with this and made them like new.<br /> http://www.novuspolish.com/

 

[ronmold]

Re: Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

It also restores CD's & DVD's that are scratched!

 

["BIGG TROUT"]

Re: Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

I have a 1996 RANGER 184 FLATS SKIFF with dark royal blue sides & a white bottom. I purchased a quart of "PENATROL" its a paint additive with an oily base. Just rub it on the dull area and the dull area is gone. The coating will dry in minutes, spray water on it after it dries and your boat will look like you just waxed it, the water beads. I put a second coat after the first coat dried on my boat and it to last months. I find if you wash the dull areas with water then dry it the results area amazing.
I purchashed my 1996 Ranger 1 yr. ago it was terribly oxidize, I have been offered $5000 more than I paid for it. Try PENATROL before spending $$$$$$ tring to fix you problem.
Look for it at any place that sells paint GOOD LUCK!!!!!

 

[BWT]

Re: Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

If the dull mark is from a fender rub, you may be able to buff it out, however most likely won't be able to do it by hand. Use an electric buffer with a wool pad on slow speed with a buffing compound (personally I recommend Meguiars oxidation remover). You may have to go over the area a couple of times but if the scuffs are superficial this will work. If there are actual scratches, start with some wet sanding paper (1000 grit) and work up to 1500 grit. Finish it off with a quick buff and it will completely disappear. Should only take 15 minutes or do. Finish it off with a good paste wax and you're all set. Hope this helps!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

This is a seven year old thread.

 

[Southern Appal]

Re: Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

Sure it's an old thread. But products and tools get upgraded all the time.

I'm just saying.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Please Help! Gelcoat rubbed dull

Bigg Trout, Welcome to iBoats!!

Bringing Old Posts back to life is not the best thing to do. It is generally better to start a NEW thread of your own concerning the topic you wish to discuss.

The Pro's and Con's of Penetrol to "Shine" your boat have been discussed here on the forum "Ad Infinitum". The consensus seems to be it is NOT a good practice in the Long run. The best and Most accepted method is to either use Polishing compounds and a buffer, or wet sand using progressively finer grits of paper. Good old "Elbow Grease" cannot be beat!!!!!