How to remove oxidation

[hydro556]

My 82 Glastron SV-191 looks pretty good but has significant oxidation on the matalflake at the bow. What is the best way to remove it and restore the shine?

 

[gcboat]

Re: How to remove oxidation

Go to the search post and type in 'oxidation'. There's gotta' be a hundred posts on the subject.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to remove oxidation

metal flake is the problem. the gelcoat get a double dose of uv rays. the flake reflects back thur the gelcoat. that's why the car manufacturers drop the flake.

 

[MercMonster]

Re: How to remove oxidation

Try 3M Rubbing Compound. Stuff really does the job for oxidation.

 

[hydro556]

Re: How to remove oxidation

I have tried turtle wax rubbing compound with no luck. Is the 3M stuff better? I didnt REAL aggressive with it, maybe I should.

 

[hydro556]

Re: How to remove oxidation

I have been doing a lot of reading and every process seems to require so many steps. I am looking at some of the all inclusive setups. Have any of you used any of the Bow to Stern products? They make a kit that has about half a dozen products and application pads for a little over $100. They also sell the kit wit a nice Makita polisher, it is dual purpose, can be a random orbital or circular(both processes are required). The reviews of the Makita are excellent but it is pricey. Adds about $270 to the kit but can be found for less than $250 by itself. Anyone have any opinions of the kit or the Makita polisher? Other kits I should consider?

 

[mauryc]

Re: How to remove oxidation

Wet sand with 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500. If you can't find the finer grits locally, they can be purchased online. After the 2500, use the 3M polish/restorer with a random orbital polisher. I have a Porter Cable I use for my automotive finishes. When sanding with the paper, don't use circular strokes - sand in straight lines. Soak the paper overnight win soapy water for best results. This procedure will make it shine like new. The 3M won't give you the results your looking for by itself. Work in small 2' sections.

You won't mess anything up if you work your way through the grades of sandpaper and don't try to take any shortcuts.

 

[hydro556]

Re: How to remove oxidation

Thanks Maury. I ordered the Makita dual purpoase machine and am trying to decide which brand of "restorer kit" to get. Any one tried different brands and have an opinion on which is best? There are many. Poliglow, Bow to Stern, Meguiars and many more.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: How to remove oxidation

I did my boat today with TR-3 resin glaze/cleaner/restorer/polisher. very nice product. made by the 3m company.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: How to remove oxidation

If it is really heavy, the wet-sanding steps outlined above are going to be the best option, you may even have to start with a 320 or 600 grit; you can't skip any of the grits, as each progressive grit takes out the scratches of the previous.​

 

[hydro556]

Re: How to remove oxidation

I am going to have to get pics up, I dont know how heavy it is. To me, I would call it moderate. Hope I can get it without having to resort to sandpaper.

 

[mauryc]

Re: How to remove oxidation

My .02, you should not need a heavier grit than about 800. If you hit it with 320 or 400, you'll be hard pressed to get all the scratches out (without sanding till your arm falls off). Start with a very small section and go through the whole procedure. Don't make a determination on the effectiveness until you've completed the final polish step. Step back and see what you think.

Personally, I'd rather sand a little longer with a finer grit than risk scratching it to deep. what color is the gelcoat? If its dark, you should be able to see when all the white chalky fading has been removed (hopefully after the first or second grit). It will be a little more difficult if its a light finish.

Good luck,
Maury

 

[hydro556]

Re: How to remove oxidation

My boat is a very modern 2 tone brown(LOL). The darker brown section is metalflake. This is the problem area as far as oxidation. Although, once I start restoring the finish, I will probably find that the non-metalflake area was oxidized as well. So, the bottom line is it is a dark area.