Proper Oxidation Removal & Polish of Dark Gelcoat

[moosehead]

While this general topic is covered in the forum, I would please like to get some veteran tips on gentle polish techniques and products for a light to moderately oxidized black gelcoat hull on a '03 Cobalt. I want to avoid leaving swirls so have completely stayed away from abrasive polish or rubbing compounds, and would likely never consider a wet sand, as the hull is in great condition. The light oxidation perhaps shows more on black, or I'm a bit anal, or both.

So far I started with really mild auto cleaning waxes with moderate improvement. Three Zymol cleaning wax efforts with an orbital buffer got maybe 2/3 of the milky haze off. Next up Megular's marine cleaning and polish wax, and if not fully cut, then I'll move to 3M Restorer Wax. I've been using the same type bonnets for product application, and a clean one for removal and final buff. Others suggest a lambswool bonnet for final buffing, may try that.

Any help is much appreciated. Cheers.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Proper Oxidation Removal & Polish of Dark Gelcoat

3M Perfect-It ll Rubbing Compound Fine. Get it at automotive suppliers. I like lambswool. Put on wet, buff to dry and glossy. Don't get it hot, let the buffer do the work. Wash with soap and water and wax.

 

[captain zac]

Re: Proper Oxidation Removal & Polish of Dark Gelcoat

http://www.woody-wax.com/fiberglass-non-skid-deck-wax.php
This will help you with your non skid

Harry

This will help with the buffer

Just a tip on handling a buffer
The pad should be a little larger than the spindle makes the buffer more forgiving ( i like the lock loop style)
This is very important
never press down on the buffer just let the pad FLOAT on the BOAT
never stay in one place keep the buffer moving
never let the compound get dry

On buffers
try to get a varible speed (more for giving you can slow it down and work at your own pace)
and all the top brands are good I just prefer an air buffer sander its lighter

Harry

IMO

This might help with the process
I use nothing but 3m products and try to stick with the industrial line (more $ though)

If I were buffing your hull I would use the least aggressive compound that addresses the majority of the boat
I would do the whole boat and then go back and address the worst spots

Example

If you decide that you can use a light compound on the majority of the boat and get the results that you wish then you might try a heavy compound on the spots that did not get the results that you desire. Or you might have to go to wet sanding only someone that is looking at the boat in person can tell. I always prefer going from least aggressive to most aggressive abrasive.
Just remember that when you go back and do the problem spots that you have to feather out that spot blending it to the rest of the hull. To do a spot that might be 6 inches you might have to work an area of about 2 ft.
Remember that the whole buffing process has to be followed. All the steps have to be followed through to the final wax. How many steps just depend on where you start.
Here are the steps

Acetone wipe down - in my opinion always needed

Wet sand ( maybe 600 grit 1000, 1500, 2000) if needed
Wash down after
Heavy Compound - if needed
light compound - if needed
3m finishing compound - in my opinion always needed
3m machine finishing compound - in my opinion always needed
Acetone wipe down - in my opinion always needed
wash down get all dirt off the hull wax just magnifies dirt
3m wax - in my opinion always needed

What ever you decide to do be sure and always try to take as little of the gel coat off as possible

Please take note this only the way that I do it and it might not be for you
I am sure that there are many other acceptable methods

Harry

 

[captain zac]

Re: Proper Oxidation Removal & Polish of Dark Gelcoat

http://www.boatsupplies.co.uk/3m_product_catalogue/default.aspx

Take a look at this also it might help

 

[moosehead]

Re: Proper Oxidation Removal & Polish of Dark Gelcoat

^Much thanks all, especially on a topic that has been kicked around so often. I'll give a go with lambswool bonnets, acetone, and the other product suggestions including finishing coats. I've also tended to go less aggressive on product, and perhaps too much leaning into the buffer. Handy link to the 3M stuff, I had not seen it.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Proper Oxidation Removal & Polish of Dark Gelcoat

And we're not talking orbital buffers. Absolutely useless for anything more than waxing. We're talking ROTARY variable speed polishers.