Repairing metalflake tops

[wmsartin]

I recently bought a 1981 Glastron Gx-150 for a easy fix-r-up to have to take to the lake this year. The top of the boat which is a metalflake bassboat type finish has been hurt by years of sitting in the sun. It has oxidized and lost its shine.<br />I was wandering if a product such as 3m's Fiberglass restorer and wax would work, or something like an automotive clearcoat. I just want to get some shine back into it and improve the looks of it.<br />If you have any tips on what I could do, it would be much appreciated by me and my family

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: Repairing metalflake tops

my boat was the same way i sanded mine with 1500 sand paper and buffed it out the puy wax on the boat you can do that if thers any thing left to buff.an automotive clear would work as well if i keep my boat thats what im going to do respray the whole thing.good luck.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Repairing metalflake tops

race fan8 is right if you want to do it right, but if you just want it to look good temporaraly try this.<br /><br />Dont laugh, it works better than you will beleive, you will be amazed.<br /><br />Go buy a bottle of "Acrylic" clear floor wax like you would use on your kitchen floor. Buy a High traffic area wax if you can find it. Even a commercial wax at a business outlet.<br /><br />Clean the boat with a wax and grease remover first. Put it on in even coats with one of those sponge brushes for varnish. nice even coats and be careful not to get runs. the more coats you put on the better it will look. Let it dry completly between coats. Honest, ten feet away and it will look like a new boat and it will last all season if you keep it covered between usage.

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: Repairing metalflake tops

ive done that to works good try pledge works for a little while.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Repairing metalflake tops

Originally posted by race fan 8:<br /> I've done that too, works good try pledge works for a little while.

Ya, thats a quick thing to do if you are selling something, (Pledge), the acrylic trick actually will build up a layer of acrylic allmost like a clear coat. It can be removed with a wax remover like you use on your floors also.

 

[wmsartin]

Re: Repairing metalflake tops

I'm looking for something a bit more long term. I intend on keeping the boat for at leaste a couple seasons. I priced a new flake job and after waking up a half hour later from price shock ($80/sq ft.) which would cost over twice what I gave for the boat ($400). The 90hp 'rude runs great so it is worth well over $400, we put new control cables on it and are going to put water pump and thermostats in it for preventitive maint. The floor of the boat needs to be replaced from the consoles forward. We're eliminating the in floor ski locker since it wouldnt fit any modern skis, except maybe childs. The vinyl front seats I'm getting reupholsterd by a friend of mine, the back bench is still salvagable. Put some new carpet in it that we found at home depot, and I'm in design stage of building a tripod ski pylon for the rear splashwell. <br />I will get some pics on here as soon as I can

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Repairing metalflake tops

Use a buffer and some compound first and see if that works, don't sand on it if you don't need to. If you sand into the flake it will be difficult to fix, start with just a small area and go slow.

 

[ladano]

Re: Repairing metalflake tops

I wet sanded mine for 3days in steps of 600,800, 1000,1500,and 2000. Then I compounded it with DUX 65, I got it a bodyshop supplier. It looks great now, well worth it.

 

[wmsartin]

Re: Repairing metalflake tops

how do you post pics on here?<br />I got a few to post, but cant figure it out

 

[wmsartin]

Re: Repairing metalflake tops

http://www.shareaproject.com/fullImages/2669.jpg

 

[ladano]

Re: Repairing metalflake tops

Mine was worse than that. It looks great now, just alot of elbow grease.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Repairing metalflake tops

Here's a link to product's of that nature<br /><br /> http://www.shopmaninc.com/polyesters.html <br /> <br /> Halfway down:Clear Metalflake Gelcoat <br />Clear gelcoat, can be mixed with automotive glitter/metal flake for a metallic finish, also used as a clear surface coating over polyester resins.<br /><br />Please note: Our Surfacing wax (sanding aid) is required for your finish coat in order to sand/polish this product.<br />Color: Clear <br />Cat No. Size Price <br />GEL-CL025 1 Quart $14.00 <br />GEL-CL100 1 Gallon 37.50 <br />GEL-CL500 5 Gallon 159.50 <br /> <br />All gelcoat prices include catalyst.<br />1 Quart= 1ounce, 1 Gallon=2ounce, 5 Gal=12ounce