gelcoat sanding

[djaggers]

I am about to start sanding my boat to try and restore the gelcoat shine. I have been told towet sand. Can I use a palm sander or do you have to manual sand everything?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: gelcoat sanding

I would NOT recommend using an Electric Palm Sander in a WET sanding environment!!!! I'd recommend hand sanding and start with 400 grit then 600, 800, and finish with 1,000. Then switch over to rubbing compound and an electric polisher. Your gelcoat is about as thick as a penny when applied at the factory. Depending on the age and amount of oxidation it could be thinner and could sand of quickly. Be careful NOT to sand all the way down to the glass. If you do, you'll need to spray some Gelcoat on to cover the area and matching the color is a very tough undertaking. Patience IS a virtue when sanding and working with Gelcoat. Don't get in a hurry.

 

[djaggers]

Re: gelcoat sanding

Is there a way to tell when to stop sanding. I dont want to sand off the gel coat as you mentioned.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: gelcoat sanding

Is this Plain colored Gelcoat of Metal Flake? Pics would really help us to help you

 

[djaggers]

Re: gelcoat sanding

Pics

 

[djaggers]

Re: gelcoat sanding

Pics

 

[djaggers]

Re: gelcoat sanding

It is fading and oxidizing quickly. Previous owner put a coat of polyurethane on it to make it shine and make gelcoat look good . It now is fading and oxidizing fast. Tryed waxing but it shows no results

 

[djaggers]

Re: gelcoat sanding

pics of oxidation

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: gelcoat sanding

R U sure that's poly. Metal flake boats are made by putting down a base color of gelcoat and then putting metal flake in the Clear Gelcoat top coat. The pics are typical for a Metal flake Boat that has been left out in the elements. There is not a lot that can be done. It's been discussed a BUNCH here on the forum and the general consensus is to sand id down smooth and Paint over it. You're just NOT gunna be able to get the original shine back when it's that far gone. I seriously doubt that the PO put Poly on the boat. It's just the Clear Gelcoat that you're seeing and dealing with. I sent you a PM

 

[djaggers]

Re: gelcoat sanding

A person I know is a friend of the previous owner. He said the boat was really oxidized and saw the PO actually brushing on a coat of polyurethane on boat. The guy told him it will give the boat a quick shine but will not last. He just wanted the boats gel coat to look good while trying to sell it. So the consenses is it need repainted now. Did the Poly ruin thge gelcoat or do you think I can sand off?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: gelcoat sanding

Quick way to know for sure to to put some acetone on a rag and let it sit on the boat. If it's Poly the acetone will eat off the poly but it won't hurt the Gelcoat at all. Give it a try.