Cosmetic gelcoat deck refurbishing

[Sunsetrider]

Yesterday I made a deal to move into the Bigger Water with the purchase of a 1976 Albin 25 pocket trawler, powered by a 36hp Volvo diesel. The vessel is strong and sturdy with recent upgrades, such as custom canvas, berth cushions, life lines all round, swim platform, electronics. But I just know the Admiral won't be impressed with the much-blemished gelcoat on the decking, nor the condition of the cabinetry in the galley. Needs a new cooktop etc.

So I am wondering: short of paying what I assume are big bucks to have someone re-gel the deck, is there a more economical way to perk up the look of it?

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Cosmetic gelcoat deck refurbishing

And for my next question: The PPO applied that smoke film on the bow and stern portholes, leaving them now a mottled and sticky mess. Any thoughts on how they might be cleaned up? What would be involved in replacing them?

(the first few of MANY questions!)

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Cosmetic gelcoat deck refurbishing

My thoughts . . .

If you could post a few pictures of the deck, then that might help folks give a more focused reply to any potential remedies. It is probably a matter of what 'blemishes' are there and if they are more stain related or damage related.

You could try acetone to get rid of any gooey mess on the portholes, etc. Be careful not to get too much on the fiberglass/gelcoat, as it will tend to soften it, if left there.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Cosmetic gelcoat deck refurbishing

Nice boat, congratulations on your acquisition...may it serve you well...
Found this on the web on How To Remove Window Tints

There are a bunch of techniques...
Best of luck,
GT1M

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Cosmetic gelcoat deck refurbishing

Its possible you could buff, or wet sand and buff the gelcoat. If that doesn't work the next best thing is PAINT. Re-gelling anything and bringing the finish back is a LOT of work and will never look as good as a decent paint job, even a brushed one.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Cosmetic gelcoat deck refurbishing

So I am wondering: short of paying what I assume are big bucks to have someone re-gel the deck, is there a more economical way to perk up the look of it?
View attachment 200871View attachment 200872

I would do the deck with AwlGrip LP with a roller and some Griptex.

Best case .. Scotch bright ( purple ) with some prepsol .. then acetone wipe .. then tape .. then roll it on.

Its not cheap though.

YD.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Cosmetic gelcoat deck refurbishing

Many thanks for the replies, folks! I am pleased to hear that there are several avenues open for me to try. I will post pics of the decking as soon as I can get back down to the waterfront.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Cosmetic gelcoat deck refurbishing

OK so here are a couple of pics of the deck to give an idea of what I'm talking about. There are both regular and non-skid sections. I wonder whether a thin coat of Interlux Brightside would retain the existing non-skid and 2 coats on the regular surfaces to clean it up? I don't really want to get into two products with the Interdeck non-skid. As far as th topsides are concerned I think a good compounding and buffing will do the trick.
Thoughts?