Re: Faded gel coat.
Ok, i got the Aqua-Buff stuff last week. Going to hit it tonight. Does anyone have the particulars on how they reccomend applying the compound? I have a good dewalt buffer. Ive read about possibly using wool pads and foam pads. And also wetting the pads or misting the area with water once the compund is spread on the boat? Thanks again for the replies and help!!
Compound with a wool pad. More abrasive surface.
Polish with a foam pad - less abrasive designed for polishing.
Make sure you are at 2500RPM -- that is a medium-fast speed and where Aqua-Buff works well. Anything slower and you'll get compound swirls.
You'll find the compound is thick and harder to apply. That is what the water is for. Just a few spritz to lubricate the compound. After a while, the wool pad will be wet and you won't need any more water. But, there is not science to how much water -- just go for it you'll figure out the right amount as you work.
you'll also find that compounding will be messy. You are removing gell coat contaiminents and they'll sling all over. Aqua-buff is water based, so you can just hose away the mess and you work areas to see the results.
Take you time polishing. The polishing step doesn't seem like much is happening, but that is how you get the shiny look. Oh yeah, certain areas of the boat need more polishing than others. Like above water line side of boat, gunnels need to be polished the best. But top of boat areas where there is foot traffic or below water line areas don't need much.
When done, put on a good wax (I did use Mequires Marine Wax -- nice). And then it is just maintenance wax afer that. I used Lucas SlickMist. It is clear carnuba, spray on spray off stuff that did well.
Ok, get this job done and we need some before and after pics !
