Oxidation removal?

[wood2turn]

I just picked up this boat a few months back and the gel coat is "not in the best shape" meaning its faded some and kind of dull.

I know that the proper thing to do would be to wetsand it then polish and wax BUT...I'm lazy and can't afford to hire someone to do it. SO....

I'm looking for a shortcut...if there is such a thing.

I've heard of folks using vaseline but somehow that sounds strange to me. Anyone have any "secrets" they'd be willing to pass along?

Thanks,
Terry

 

[fixb52s]

Re: Oxidation removal?

Do a search, and check out the Restoration section. There is plenty of info on this.

My opinion? Vasoline is snake oil. You might as well smear baby oil on it... it does the same thing.

Depending on how bad the oxidation is, it might come back with a buffer and compound. Worse case is it will need a color sanding first. Removing the oxidation is the ONLY way to properly bring gel coat back.

Don't be so lazy. Get to work! ​

 

[indy440]

Re: Oxidation removal?

I used vasoline on mine. It made it look better but no where near as nice as a proper wetsand, buff, and wax.

The vasoline just kind of covers the oxidation. I was cleaning the upper part of my hull (above the rub rail) and some of the cleaner dripped down and now there are streaks where the cleaner took the vasoline off and it looks oxidized in those spots again.

 

[83Evinrude]

Re: Oxidation removal?

I like Meguiars

Use this:
http://www.iboats.com/Meguiar_s_Oxi...03535124--**********.130767982--view_id.39152

Followed by this:
http://www.iboats.com/Meguiar_s_One...03535124--**********.130767982--view_id.39154

They also have a three step kit, just search on Meguiars on iBoats.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Oxidation removal?

I just picked up this boat a few months back and the gel coat is "not in the best shape" meaning its faded some and kind of dull.

I know that the proper thing to do would be to wetsand it then polish and wax BUT...I'm lazy and can't afford to hire someone to do it. SO....

I'm looking for a shortcut...if there is such a thing.

I've heard of folks using vaseline but somehow that sounds strange to me. Anyone have any "secrets" they'd be willing to pass along?

Thanks,
Terry

There are no "secrets" just facts, the oxidation is the result of "dried-out" resins, its akin to dead,dry skin, but removing dried gelcoat is harder to do, try compounding...polish..then wax. if your too lazy..sell the boat, there nothing but work..and money.

 

[BAproject]

Re: Oxidation removal?

Depends on how bad the oxidation is....you can look online to categorize the level that you have.

I had medium to heavy oxidation and here's what I did;

? Washed it thoroughly
? Let it dry completely
? Then I used Meguiars Gold - 4 coats
? Once it hazed (and this stuff take a bit longer than other paste waxes) I have an orbital buffer that I used to work the wax into the gel coat.
? Once I have done this I will go over it with a soft terry cloth to shine it it up and remove any residue left over

? Recommendation-do an entire side at a time or at least the full side of each color band (if you have that style paint job)

? 4 coats with this method and the gel coat is like glass...and dependng on the length of your boat it doesn't take too long.

- I experimented with both autoglass and mothers liquid w/ carnuba and it kept streaking. Meguiars really impressed me and I had never used it before....plus it smells like candy

on a side note the proper way is to buff it down with compound...this is the next best alternative...in my opinion.

-BAproject

 

[marine4003]

Re: Oxidation removal?

Depends on how bad the oxidation is....you can look online to categorize the level that you have.

I had medium to heavy oxidation and here's what I did;

? Washed it thoroughly
? Let it dry completely
? Then I used Meguiars Gold - 4 coats
? Once it hazed (and this stuff take a bit longer than other paste waxes) I have an orbital buffer that I used to work the wax into the gel coat.
? Once I have done this I will go over it with a soft terry cloth to shine it it up and remove any residue left over

? Recommendation-do an entire side at a time or at least the full side of each color band (if you have that style paint job)

? 4 coats with this method and the gel coat is like glass...and dependng on the length of your boat it doesn't take too long.

- I experimented with both autoglass and mothers liquid w/ carnuba and it kept streaking. Meguiars really impressed me and I had never used it before....plus it smells like candy

on a side note the proper way is to buff it down with compound...this is the next best alternative...in my opinion.

-BAproject

doing it this way will allow the oxidized gel to surface again,then you will have to repeat the process all over again, the best way is to REMOVE the dried gelcoat,(compound) then remove the micro scratches caused by the compound (polish) then apply wax..my boat gets it once a year,its used in salt water in southern heat & sun. waxing over the oxidation is fine if you dont mind having to repeat the process quarterly.

 

[salty87]

Re: Oxidation removal?

Anyone have any "secrets" they'd be willing to pass along?

Thanks,
Terry

do it right the first time.

if it's bad and/or you've got red or dark gel...just skip to the wetsanding. compound will work but it will take longer on a badly faded boat.

i've had best luck with 3m products...compounds and waxes.
'finesse it' is a great polish, don't skip that step for a deep shine.

last one...random orbital polishers won't get the job done. harbor freight has a cheap polisher.

 

[BAproject]

Re: Oxidation removal?

I was wrong! Everything looked great with the fresh coats of wax. However, the first time it rained on the new wax I had whit steaks running down the entire side of the boat.

Long story short, the last post was correct, do it right the first time!!!

Oxidation will come right back through the first time it seas water of any sort.

Live and learn I guess.

-BAproject