Dull Hull, How do I restore the clear coat?

[bamadave]

Hi Guys, my bass boat needs help, or should I say the boats owner needs help. I have a 20' ProCraft bass boat that looks great except for the top step edge of the hull. I clean, polish and wax the boat at the beginning of every season but the years have taken it's toll on the clear coat.
Because of wild life having made their home in the boat (baby kittens) that I didn't know about until I saw 1 climb out from under the cover, I'm replacing the carpet. The damn things were sharping their claws on the carpet and really messed it up. I have already removed all the carpet and old adhesive and thought this would be a perfect time to refinish the top edge and bring it back to what the rest of the boat looks like.
I have wet sanded and polished white fiberglass before, but never on metal flake with clear coat on it. What is the correct method of bringing it back. I would like to do it myself, with the exception of spraying the clear coat if necessary. Thanks ahead of all the help.

 

[92excel]

Re: Dull Hull, How do I restore the clear coat?

try a liquid rubbing compound to remove all of the oxidation. if this brings the shine back move to the polish and then wax it

 

[bamadave]

Re: Dull Hull, How do I restore the clear coat?

I think I'm past that point. I want to do all I can to restore it while I have the carpet out.
When wet sanding the top edge, how far down the sides should I go to blend in the edges and should I start with 1000 grit paper?

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Dull Hull, How do I restore the clear coat?

Take an area and wetsand it down to 400 but not down to the color and flake- just the clear- don't go too deep. (If there is a natural seam or place to do it, sand it to a visual stopping point, or create one with tape)

Degrease with enamel reducer and mask off the area, and spray-bomb it with clear lacquer. If that cures off clear and shiny and the haze is gone, there is your quick-fix.

If not, then you've got a bigger job on your hands. Probably it's just the clear coat attacked from environmental wear and UV rays.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Dull Hull, How do I restore the clear coat?

Thanks for the help. I am going to do a small test spot before I attempt the whole project. I'll report back soon. Again, Thank You