chalky finish how to get the gloss back on gel coat

[llerrad]

Would like best solution to get the wet look or the high gloss back on older boat with calcium chalk on finish. Have tried finishing compounds but cannot get that wet look. Older boat has good gel coat base so need tips on wet sanding, need to know how, by hand? or can one use sander? what type of sanding material and what stages to follow.

 

[Mark42]

Re: chalky finish how to get the gloss back on gel coat

This is how I did it....

http://www.fiberglassics.com/mfg/restoring_glossgelcoat.htm

 

[JasonJ]

Re: chalky finish how to get the gloss back on gel coat

I do it the old school way, largely because I have never gotten around to getting a 7" grinder/polisher. I wet sand, starting with 600, and go through the next available grits to 1200, always keeping the paper clean. Then I wax and I am done. One of these years I need to get a 7"-er, and then I can do it like Mark...

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: chalky finish how to get the gloss back on gel coat

Here's what I did:
1. Wipe with lacquer thinner to get the old wax, etc off follow with wet wipe with water. I use a spray bottle with water to wash and wet down the surface.
2. Get a bucket with clean water.
3. Sand with 1600 or 2000 grit wet/dry grit by hand with pad or block.
4. Keep your paper clean by dipping in the bucket often.
5. Follow with 3m Polish (power polisher)
6. follow with you favorite wax/sealer.
Before:

After:

Notice the reflection of the 3M bottle sitting on the outdrive.

 

[Mark42]

Re: chalky finish how to get the gloss back on gel coat

Nova, that came out real nice.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: chalky finish how to get the gloss back on gel coat

Thanks Mark, I'm 60 and not in the best of health. Trust me I did not feel like labouring my butt off on shine'n her up. I took my time, it went quick, and it came out well. I did had to do the transom to put the new name decal on. I have a little more faded black on the side gunnels that are going to be done this week.

 

[ted655]

Re: chalky finish how to get the gloss back on gel coat

Put on another coating of Gel coat.
http://www.bertram31.com/proj/tips/re-gelcoating.htm

 

[fishdog4449]

Re: chalky finish how to get the gloss back on gel coat

In your thumbnail there, the white hull color looks great!
Did you paint that, or use the shine method there too?