CLEANING FIBERGLASS BOAT

[Vantoo]

OK, I have done a search and can't seem to find anything. I need to clean my boat so it doesn't show that white powdery look on the top. I know the clear coat must be gone, but is there anyting I can do to brighten it up a bit? thanks for the help.

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: CLEANING FIBERGLASS BOAT

there probably never was a clear coat, what you are looking at is the oxidation on the gel-coat. the best/cheapest way to make it shine again is with a power buffer and some DuPont #7. there are a bunch of supposedly "no-buff" products, but none will do as good a job as the power buffer

 

[Vantoo]

Re: CLEANING FIBERGLASS BOAT

Originally posted by theScrumbler:<br /> there probably never was a clear coat, what you are looking at is the oxidation on the gel-coat. the best/cheapest way to make it shine again is with a power buffer and some DuPont #7. there are a bunch of supposedly "no-buff" products, but none will do as good a job as the power buffer

How long do you think the shine would last after buffing?

 

[kfraser]

Re: CLEANING FIBERGLASS BOAT

How long the shine will last depends on the conditions that you keep your boat. If kept under cover or in your garage it will last much longer than if outside uncovered. I usually do a good buff job at the start of each boating season. Once you get the oxidation off and back to a nice shine it's not near as much work to keep it looking nice.

 

[Vantoo]

Re: CLEANING FIBERGLASS BOAT

Originally posted by kfraser:<br /> How long the shine will last depends on the conditions that you keep your boat. If kept under cover or in your garage it will last much longer than if outside uncovered. I usually do a good buff job at the start of each boating season. Once you get the oxidation off and back to a nice shine it's not near as much work to keep it looking nice.

OK, I keep my boat under a carport, so it should last for a season. thanks,

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: CLEANING FIBERGLASS BOAT

Keep enough wax on it and it will last a long long time. My '88 is as shiney as it was in the showroom because it has been waxed, waxed, and waxed some more! It never sits out in the sun unless we're using it either. Stay ahead of the game and you will save yourself a lot of work.

 

[Vantoo]

Re: CLEANING FIBERGLASS BOAT

Originally posted by CalicoKid:<br /> Keep enough wax on it and it will last a long long time. My '88 is as shiney as it was in the showroom because it has been waxed, waxed, and waxed some more! It never sits out in the sun unless we're using it either. Stay ahead of the game and you will save yourself a lot of work.

yea, once I get it buffed, it should be easier to keep that way. It hasn't had much attention from the previous owner. Have a great day....

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: CLEANING FIBERGLASS BOAT

If you go to a good boat store, You will find many products that will bring the shine and luster back. I'm at work right now, but I have something I bought at my local boat dealer that took the white power off, and a wax that brought out the luster and shine. When I get home, I'll find it and send another thread for you. When I got the boat the hull was in great shape, but the finish was very dull looking. I bought this boat product and used it, and now it looks almost new again. I have an 87' 22ft. Forester cutty cabin.

 

[DangerDan]

Re: CLEANING FIBERGLASS BOAT

My boat is over thirty years old and in trying to bring the shine back the only thing that worked for me was 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound then after buffing it out go over it again with Finesse It II. It's quite a bit of work depending on how much boat needs attention and how bad the oxidation really is but it gets better with every buff out and looks so much better with a shine. It makes it worth the work.

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: CLEANING FIBERGLASS BOAT

ya, once its buffed wax the crap outa it and you prolly won't have to do it again for a few years

 

[bounder4465]

Re: CLEANING FIBERGLASS BOAT

automotive compounds will produce a shinny wax paper look.