Gelcoat restoration

[mainexile]

Met yesterday with a marine surveyor to have him check out my '78 GW 174 M/C 470 that has been stored since 2007. Hull, transom, stringers all check out OK, so I'll probably proceed with a repower. The Gelcoat is well oxidized, and I'm looking for opinions on which route to take to restore it. The surveyor recommended 3M Finesse-it II followed by wax. That may, in fact, be the superior method, but I'm curious if anyone has tried 3M Restorer and Wax which has a mild compound and wax combination. (I know: I'm lazy) So if anyone wants to either reassure or ridicule me, go for it...I've had plenty of both over the years.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Gelcoat restoration

Yep with an Orbital Polisher, I think the 3M stuff works really well. Lots of guys use and like the Finesse-It II as well

 

[mainexile]

Re: Gelcoat restoration

Yep with an Orbital Polisher, I think the 3M stuff works really well. Lots of guys use and like the Finesse-It II as well

WOG, any opinion on the Finesse vs Restorer & Wax? Tks.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Gelcoat restoration

Well, As I stated previously I use the 3M Restorer and Wax and really like it. Personally never used the Finesse so from experience I can't comment, but again, as stated, others here on the forum have used it and recommended it. Based on that, I think you could use either of them with good results. My experience has shown me that if you know how to use a VS Polisher you can use any quality product and get good results.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Gelcoat restoration

The Gelcoat is well oxidized, and I'm looking for opinions on which route to take to restore it. The surveyor recommended 3M Finesse-it II followed by wax. That may, in fact, be the superior method, but I'm curious if anyone has tried 3M Restorer and Wax which has a mild compound and wax combination. (I know: I'm lazy) So if anyone wants to either reassure or ridicule me, go for it...I've had plenty of both over the years.

Well .. If the gel is well oxidized then the Finesse it II aint gonna do bubkiss. Finessit is a fine polish to remove swirl marks from doing a Rub out with compound.

Try the 3m Imperial compound first. That might even be enough. If you have to then put the finesse on it.

You will probably need a Rotary buffer.

YD.

 

[mainexile]

Re: Gelcoat restoration

Well .. If the gel is well oxidized then the Finesse it II aint gonna do bubkiss. Finessit is a fine polish to remove swirl marks from doing a Rub out with compound.

Try the 3m Imperial compound first. That might even be enough. If you have to then put the finesse on it.

You will probably need a Rotary buffer.

YD.

Thanks for the info WOG and Doctor. I have some 3M automotive rubbing compound, but I was afraid it might cut too much on such an old finish. Already have the buffer and several applicators and wool bonnets. We'll see.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Gelcoat restoration

Thanks for the info WOG and Doctor. I have some 3M automotive rubbing compound, but I was afraid it might cut too much on such an old finish. Already have the buffer and several applicators and wool bonnets. We'll see.

Well .. See.. there is a conundrum here ..

Old Gel Might be worn down to almost NOTHING .. So repairs are going to be tricky. Rub outs are going to be tricky.

The finish IS the finish. So if you have nothing there to buff .. then your going to re-gel or Paint if you cant get a good Polish from your existing topcoat.

Its that simple .. you can or you cant polish without burning through places.

Now the question is .. can you Paint yourself into satisfaction of what you want.

Sometimes you can ... sometimes you cant ..

Its no dead on way to say for sure until you tried your preference ..

YD.