How to clean up yellowing gelcoat?

[sutor623]

Hey guys,

Got this boat 6-7 months ago. Is all fiberglass and has fiberglass floors. First time I cleaned her up she cleaned up easily, and SO GOOD!!! Looked great!

For some reason, now when it gets dirty it takes a LOT more scrubbing to clean her up. Also, the outside has yellowed more than I would like to see. I got this boat so I could just spray the fish scales and dirt out the back of the boat, but it just doesn't seem to work that way.

I have used simple green and it cleans it pretty well. Problem is, I feel like the old gelcoat is more "porous" than it would be if it was new.

In short, what can I use to clean up the old gelcoat, maybe get the yellowing out, but most importantly, SEAL OUT THE GREASE, DIRT AND GRIME?? I really want her to look nice and clean up with less effort. Thanks!!

 

[Woodonglass]

How old is she??

 

[sutor623]

20 years

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Slimy grimy will remove stains caused by lake water ( it has Oxalic acid which will dissolve the Iron / Mineral stains) // Buffing & waxing will keep it shiny & sealed.

If its really oxidized a light sanding with fine sandpaper on the smooth surfaces to expose some fresh gelcoat ( 600 grit or finer ) before machine buffing will help a lot ( But you may want to watch some videos & study that first to avoid problems such as sanding through the edges etc )

 

[Woodonglass]

You might find this of interest...
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/restore-shine-to-fiberglass.asp

 

[sutor623]

Thanks guys. Wood I will check out that link. You think it'd be okay to get some fine wet/dry 600 grit sanding discs for the orbital?

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Sure -- just stay off the edges and plan to follow up with a buffer and polishing compound then wax // or a polishing wax: such as --3m marine restorer and wax--

If you do a pass with 1000 grit after the 600 the buffing will be easier.

 

[sutor623]

Cool thanks. Can't wait to try it.

What about the textured floors in the boat? They aren't yellowing but need a sealer. Can I wax the floors or is that a bad idea? I just want to spray them clean and not have to scrub so hard after a fishing trip.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

You may want to try buffing the floors with a polish & wax combined --

I would not sand them as it will flatten them -- but you can use Scotchbrite before buffing if needed.

They will be more slippery -- But that's how I do mine with no issues to date. I suspect its no more slippery than a new deck would be but I am way to cheap to know for sure..