Question on restoring Gel Coat

J

jammer

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 19, 2007
Messages
110
My boat sat for 5 years. The gel coat looks worn in areas. But just in small areas. The front right side front. The back left side about 2 foot.

I'm taking care of the boat now with the was etc so I won't get any more damage for the rest of the summer. Is there a fix I can do myself rather than taking it to a body shop? Note the gel coat is a blue metal flake. Where would I start to look for it to look back to it's original luster?
 
I

ironhorse

Cadet
Joined
Jul 28, 2007
Messages
20
Re: Question on restoring Gel Coat

It might be wet sanded with 600 paper then buffed?

I would try in a small area first
 
J

jammer

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 19, 2007
Messages
110
Re: Question on restoring Gel Coat

ironhorse said:
It might be wet sanded with 600 paper then buffed?

I would try in a small area first
Click to expand...

Good point. I called vertglass and with it looking fine when it is wet I'm told my gel coat is fine. But that since I can feel the metal flake, I hope this is..because it feels rough, wet sand it. Now so far I was suggested 100, 800, now 600. I noticed that Meguires has a restore kit: oxidation remover, polish, then wax.

Thank you all for your input.
 
J

jammer

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 19, 2007
Messages
110
Re: Question on restoring Gel Coat

Here's how it turns out.

Vertglass is a non wax. You clean the oxidation. Options are to lightly sand it. Or to use a compound.

Here is what I personally chose. I used Mequiars one step compound. I used Meguiars only because they had customer service that told me just what to do and how to do it.

Special notation. If you have serious oxidation..which is subjective..if you put water on it..and it looks fine...note it is ok. Now remember what I just said..put water on it..and if it looks fine..then your gel coat is ok. You need to smooth it down. This can be done with sand paper but then you will need to use a compound to buff out the small scratches. Now this is where the Meguiars people kick in. It's an 800 number..it is free just talk to them.

Due to my serious oxidation I needed a rotary buffer. This in itself has loads of negative comments due to the possibility of it tearing off the gel coat. If all things are done right..the shine will come back.

Here are the facts. I got loads of opinions..and I am sure they all work. I called Mequiars..did what they told me..now I have a new looking boat.
 
G

gcboat

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 29, 2007
Messages
1,822
Re: Question on restoring Gel Coat

I personally feel that the VertGlas and the rest of those 'things' are pretty much garbage. Nothing more than a modified floor wax. As one poster put it they are nothing but snake oil. Wet sanding and buffing is the only way to really restore the shine and luster to your boat's finish. The difference between the two are like day and night. My $.02
 
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