Gel coat rejuvication

[Keepi time]

I am trying to restore my gel coat. The boat is 24 years old so I know that i probably cannot bring it back to new again, but am willing to take any advise on restoring it. I have compounded, and polished at this point and asked about sealing the gel with a sealant, but as of now, I am not happy with how it turned out thus far. There are many scratches that are left in the gelcoat that wet sanding did not get out last year and frankly, I think that some of the scratches are too deep to eliminate. The pictures I see on this forum of guys restoring their boats are just phenominal! I feel i am doing something wrong. The boat dont get me wrong looks ok for a 24 yr old boat but, I hate to paint a gel coat! But if you guys think that is the only way, then that's what i am willing to do. So What say you all? Thanks for the responses, good and bad.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: Gel coat rejuvication

I think it looks outstanding!

 

[Keepi time]

Re: Gel coat rejuvication

Thanks mwe-maxxowner! I am going to take some better pics, these really do not show the scratches like I thought they would. Thanks though!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gel coat rejuvication

I think it looks outstanding!

Ayuh,.... Looks, Perfect,... compared to my ole battlewagon...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Gel coat rejuvication

I looked worse than that when I was 24!!!!:facepalm:

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: Gel coat rejuvication

I think a well used, well loved boat is kinda like a man's pickup truck. Looks the best shined up with a 'character' mark or two

 

[Keepi time]

Re: Gel coat rejuvication

You guys are awesome!! I think I'll just put er in the water.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: Gel coat rejuvication

I would actually love to know what you did to get yours to shine like that. When I finish my rebuild I wanna shine mine up so the outside reflects the inside.

 

[Keepi time]

Re: Gel coat rejuvication

3m rubbing compound, and Meguiars polish #45 I think. Had a buffer and a wool pad. The secret I found is finding the right speed and knowing when to stop, I have been reading all day on gel coat repairs. Going to take a crack at it on some of the bad areas. I don't think I'll try the color as I have read there is a lot to matching a color and getting it to blend. Good luck on the rebuild!

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: Gel coat rejuvication

Thank ya sir!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Gel coat rejuvication

3m rubbing compound, and Meguiars polish #45 I think. Had a buffer and a wool pad. The secret I found is finding the right speed and knowing when to stop, I have been reading all day on gel coat repairs. Going to take a crack at it on some of the bad areas. I don't think I'll try the color as I have read there is a lot to matching a color and getting it to blend. Good luck on the rebuild!

Use a Yellow polish pad and some On-line Product Catalog:?3M

Cure most ills that you have .

YD.