boat gel cote gone?

[huntingdeer]

i have a 87 phantom ski boat and im trying to get the sparkles to sparkle again.Im on a tight budget and trying to find a product to do the job.Clear coat?It looks good when it rains.Its just the top half of the boat.It does not touch the water.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

Faded/Oxidized "MetalFlake" gelcoat is not easily restored. A light wet sanding with 320-400 grit working up to 800 -1,000 grit might bring it back but you have to be careful not to burn thru the clear and get into the metalflake. Just depends on how bad it is. Post some pics so we can See what you see.

 

[huntingdeer]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

Faded/Oxidized "MetalFlake" gelcoat is not easily restored. A light wet sanding with 320-400 grit working up to 800 -1,000 grit might bring it back but you have to be careful not to burn thru the clear and get into the metalflake. Just depends on how bad it is. Post some pics so we can See what you see.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

As I suspected, Wet sanding and polishing compound is gunna be your best bet but...I would not be to optimistic about bringing it back to life. It's just not very likely. Lots of people here on the forum have tried and very few have had good results. Most just end up sanding and painting over it.

 

[huntingdeer]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

It worked!!!! Thank you.I love restoring old boats and never came across this problem but it looks daylight from dark.This sight has help me on so many ways! Thanks

 

[huntingdeer]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

And I hate this iPhone it changes words for me lol.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

I once saw a hollowed out cypress trunk made into a table. It was filled with seashells and such then covered in epoxy. It was rather old and faded. The owner sanded it down some, then put a fresh layer of epoxy on it. It came out looking like new. I have often wondered if putting a new layer of clear gel would do the same on a faded glitter gelcoat finish?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

I once saw a hollowed out cypress trunk made into a table. It was filled with seashells and such then covered in epoxy. It was rather old and faded. The owner sanded it down some, then put a fresh layer of epoxy on it. It came out looking like new. I have often wondered if putting a new layer of clear gel would do the same on a faded glitter gelcoat finish?

^^ Just like refinishing furniture, light sand & scuff, clean & polyurethane, good as new. Problem is sometimes the flakes have oxidized (or have been buffed/sanded) and are no longer shimmery shiny bits at the surface where they've been exposed. Or after multiple buffing &/or sanding attempts the surface flakes are no longer the same constant size & evenly distributed across & thru the gel as those still buried in the original clear gel......

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

^^ Just like refinishing furniture, light sand & scuff, clean & polyurethane, good as new. Problem is sometimes the flakes have oxidized (or have been buffed/sanded) and are no longer shimmery shiny bits at the surface where they've been exposed. Or after multiple buffing &/or sanding attempts the surface flakes are no longer the same constant size & evenly distributed across & thru the gel as those still buried in the original clear gel......

I agree ..

Basically buffing and sanding probably will not do much for you over the long haul..

Clearcoating is possibly going to be your best long term solution.

YD.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

On metal flake there are no good, reliable and permanent solutions.

Like what has already been said, if the flake has been exposed you can get sort of get a blotchy uneven look to the surface, plus the flake can lose its color and luster from UV degradation, which compounds the problem.

If the flake is still buried in the clear you may be able to sand (lightly) and buff, this may work well if the flake hasn't faded much.

When respraying with clear the biggest problem is surface prep, you need to sand it for the clear to bond well, but too much sanding will make the flake look worse. Gel coat needs a coarser grit paper to bond well than 2 part paint does, so paint frequently looks better. The problem with both is that over time they tend to yellow, then peel off, less sun will make both last longer.

You can test the look with a rattle can of clear, just spray a small area and see if you like the results, the clear will come off with acetone when needed.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

On metal flake there are no good, reliable and permanent solutions.

You Might be able to salvage the flake coat depending on several factors ..

It would really depend on how damaged the outside clear Gel is .. after that you might be able to clear over with 2 part thane. ( NOT Clear Gel ! )

As you suggested .. sanding and buffing Might be the Right way to go .. Again as you suggested it Might not be the way to go.

Its a Boat to Boat thing ..

There is No true aspect of when you can just buff . or clear coat without hands-eyes on.

YD.

 

[huntingdeer]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

I found some clear epoxy pain in my basement.i tried a little on it and it looks good.its called 84-b converter ceramlon env.i l

 

[huntingdeer]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

I looked it up and it said epoxy paint.whst do you think?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

I don't think it would be good for your boat. It's for concrete and steel, not for water immersion and no UV protection.

TNEMEC.com: Series 84 | Ceramlon ENV

 

[huntingdeer]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

Well it came with my other boat as floor paint.it is a 2 part one is pain the other is epoxy.it was suppose to be for outdoors.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

It doesn't sound a like a good product for this application.

I like this part of the data sheet.

Refer to Tnemec Color Guide. Note: Epoxies chalk with extended exposure to sunlight and will yellow upon aging. Lack of ventilation, incomplete mixing, miscatalyzation or the use of heaters that emit carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide during application and initial stages of curing may accelerate any potential yellowing.

 

[huntingdeer]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

So I should not do it?

 

[huntingdeer]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

The boat stays indoors.i don't leave it outside.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

When you're on the lake it's outside exposed to extreme sunlight and water conditions. The UV rays will not take long to attack the epoxy and turn it yellow and start the deterioration process. It is not the right product for your boat, IMHO, but...It is your boat and you are free to do as you see fit. We are only advising as to what we think is best based on the product specs and our experience.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: boat gel cote gone?

The boat stays indoors.i don't leave it outside.

IMHO .. Dont use it.

In fact .. we dont even know if your boat will handle a " Clear Coat " ..

Do a test spot and see .. no more buffing ..

YD.