HEAVY oxidation, Fiberglass Restorer failed. What next?

[Ki Ki]

Re: HEAVY oxidation, Fiberglass Restorer failed. What next?

You can try the Meguiar's oxidation remover by itself on a small area. It has some abrasive in it so it can scrub off a bit of oxidation. If that doesn't bring the shine up how you would like it then go ahead with the wet sanding. The wet sanding will remove the oxidation and level the surface, but will leave a dull finish. Follow up with a polish to bring out the shine. The Meguiar's oxidation remover will work for that.

Older boats are probably better able to take the wet sanding because the gel coat is thicker on the older boats. Even on the newer boats the gel coat is probably 10 times thicker than a typical car paint job. If you are just sanding enough to get rid of the oxidation then you will be fine.

Okay, this is very helpful. So after I wetsand use a good wax and that'll restore the shine a bit?

 

[109jb]

Re: HEAVY oxidation, Fiberglass Restorer failed. What next?

Okay, this is very helpful. So after I wetsand use a good wax and that'll restore the shine a bit?

No. After wet sanding you will need to use a polishing type compound. If you have the Meguiar's oxidation remover then use that it works well.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: HEAVY oxidation, Fiberglass Restorer failed. What next?

No. After wet sanding you will need to use a polishing type compound. If you have the Meguiar's oxidation remover then use that it works well.

I have a generic brand Fiberglass Restorer, I think the brand is Thexford or something. Would that suffice?

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: HEAVY oxidation, Fiberglass Restorer failed. What next?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...571057535&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

If I bought ^^^ that item, would I need to wetsand?

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: HEAVY oxidation, Fiberglass Restorer failed. What next?

I find that wet sanding is best for a one time deal. then use the 3 m stuff to clean it up each spring.

It is easy to burn a spot with a buffer Is is harder to get the shine even with a buffer. If you wet sand then do the polish and wax you will get a better job.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: HEAVY oxidation, Fiberglass Restorer failed. What next?

I find that wet sanding is best for a one time deal. then use the 3 m stuff to clean it up each spring.

It is easy to burn a spot with a buffer Is is harder to get the shine even with a buffer. If you wet sand then do the polish and wax you will get a better job.

Okay, thank you. I will wet sand first then use a wax to shine it up.

 

[gdombroski]

Re: HEAVY oxidation, Fiberglass Restorer failed. What next?

First thing to do is get the old wax off. Thats what you did with your mixture as the brown was probably mostly in the wax. Use a lot of Dawn dish detergent in about a gallon of water and one of those scubber dish sponges. This will take a lot of the oxidation off quickly. Another method is to use this http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PPL0/4315PS.oap?keyword=cleaner&pt=N0440&ppt=C0090 This is the only stuff I've found that easily removes docking skuffs as well. Make sure you wash down good after it.

After that try some light/medium buffing compound. You might find you don't need to wet sand.

But, if you do get a sanding block and soak the paper for at least 20 minutes before you start in a bucket with water and a capful of Dawn. Dawn will make the paper slide easier. As mentioned above keep your area wet when doing this a large sponge is best dipped in the water/dawn solution.

 

[farmhand2710]

Re: HEAVY oxidation, Fiberglass Restorer failed. What next?

It appears you are past the point of trying this, but as an FYI for anyone else, a product called PENATROL, made by the FLOOD Company on Hudson, Ohio, works wonders on heavily oxidzed auto paint and any gelcoat products. Wipe it on let it soak, wipe it off and then polish/buff. It will look like new! I have done both cars and fiberglass products with great results!

 

[jonesg]

Re: HEAVY oxidation, Fiberglass Restorer failed. What next?

40 yr old gelcoat is gone unless it was stored indoors for 40 yr.
I wouldn't consider the effort worthwhile, anything is just going to be a temp fix, anything you put on will come off again.
My 1974 hull looks old, its supposed to after all these yrs.
The effort is better put where it counts.