Metal Flake Gelcoat-Wet Sand/Compound/Polish?

[CoralReefer]

My 1990 Glasstream project has red Metal Flake Gelcoat. From the rub rail up it's pretty rough...literally. You can feel the flake and it's almost silvered out. I've read a post somewhere some were able to get good results by wet sanding starting at 800 Grit, then 1000, and finally 1500 followed by 3m compound and polish with maching. I'm going to start with a good cleaning with Scotchbrite pad and Comet and cleaning with diluted vinegar and water mix, repeating cleaning between cuts. Anybody here have any luck with this process? If I get the desired shine and texture, i'm going to have a couple coats of auto clear put on top. I figured that's easier than re-gel and with today's clears it should hold up a few years if stored out of the elements. I'm going to try a small are to see what results I get. I'll post some pics under my Restoration Process thread.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Metal Flake Gelcoat-Wet Sand/Compound/Polish?

has red Metal Flake Gelcoat. From the rub rail up it's pretty rough...literally. You can feel the flake and it's almost silvered out.

Ayuh,... When you get sick of all that work,...
Shoot it with a building sandable primer,+ sand it out Smooth...
Then paint it any color you'd like with a 2-pt urethane paint....

You'll be Much Happier....

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Metal Flake Gelcoat-Wet Sand/Compound/Polish?

Once its down to the flake sanding and buffing won't save it, possibly shooting a clear over it will help, but frequently it still may look odd and its normally only a short term fix if even it does work.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Metal Flake Gelcoat-Wet Sand/Compound/Polish?

I wetsanded mine, but it was not down to the flake yet. Check out my thread and you will see how well mine came out.