Restore my topside gelcoat... very confused

[Jeepinvusa]

Hi Guys,
I'd like to take on a project this weekend since seas are bad My boat is a 77 ChrisCraft Cutlass Center Console. I believe as far as I know the gel coat has never been re-done. The condition of the surface is alittle beyond the chalky state i guess. The white has absolutely no shine. Kinda like bird-poop white. Im not concered with the floor, it was painted blue for some reason and I'll deal with that at another time. Lastly, the aluminum tubing of the t-top is now grey and pitted... yuk. These are my two main priorities. We have family from Cali visiting in the spring and would love to take them out without the feeling on them riding in an old boat. Any Help??? please.... I have alittle money to spend on a sander (dont know what kind i need, pref Harbor Freight), i can also buy the compounds/chemicals... (do they need to be marine grade?) PLEASE PLEASE HELP.... Many thanks guys!

 

[Sean-Nos]

Re: Restore my topside gelcoat... very confused

I have restored a good few boats and I use auto rubbing compound and polish and a variable speed rotary buffer, I like doing it my hand if its not to big a job so if you want to save money."wax on wax off"



before
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx179/fergalbutler/bob about/006-1.jpg

after
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx179/fergalbutler/bob about/012-1.jpg

 

[Jeepinvusa]

Re: Restore my topside gelcoat... very confused

what about the dirt and grime accumulated over the past 30 years that a good wash doesnt affect? I can do the "wax on, wax off", but it might need more...? Teach me, im here to learn. btw, the search brings up too many things irrelevant...?

 

[Sean-Nos]

Re: Restore my topside gelcoat... very confused

If it,s oily grime try a steam cleaner or I have used a steam wallpaper stripper. and a power washer.If it is rock hard dirt try to sand it down use 400 grit wet and dry sandpaper working down 600,800,1200 when you get to the gelcoat lightly use 1500 or even 2000 and then rubbing compound ,try it on a small bit that's not so obvious.You can all so try some chemical cleaners like a limescale remover or degreaser on this spot .Your auto body or marine shop will be able to tell you what is safe to use on fiberglass.

 

[Jeepinvusa]

Re: Restore my topside gelcoat... very confused

So,
Wet sand the entire surface to be worked on with 400 first then work down to 600, 800, 1000, the finally 1500 or 2000? This sound like alot of work, but if thats what it takes... ok. So pretty much sand all surfaces to be worked on 5times with the different sand paper grades. Then how do I apply compound? with the same wet sander? what kind of pad? a cloth or sponge type? How many times to the entire surface? The after I polish? with what how? Then Wax? same, with what and how? I have waxed a car before after a wash but thats about it... I know that when using a buffer machine, not to press down too hard. Am I missing anything?

 

[QC]

Re: Restore my topside gelcoat... very confused

I think Sean suggested the sanding routine for the areas with dirt . . . Gelcoat only? Rubbing compund. The diurt question muddied up the discussion. My experience is that the compound will knock off some dirt too, but I suck at this stuff, so I should actually be lurking not posting

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Restore my topside gelcoat... very confused

I use this stuff (Buff Magic). Its a bit pricey but it saves time and works great..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I9cEDKSLHE&feature=related

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Restore my topside gelcoat... very confused

Almost every boat will be a little different, so its a trial and error method to start with.

First try washing...you never know, you may get lucky.

Second use a polishing or buffing compound, there are several grits from fine to coarse, so pick one and go.

Third sanding, again every boat will be different, so start with 600 or finer and then buff to see if it yields the results you desire, if not get a little more aggressive with the grit of sand paper.

Only do this on a small area, maybe 1' x 1' or 2' x 2' to start with, see what works and then do the rest after you've dialed it in.

 

[Sean-Nos]

Re: Restore my topside gelcoat... very confused

Depending on how bad it is pick the paper you think works best you don't have to go through them all you just don't want the rough paper to scrape the gellcoat its very hard to polish out, when you get close to the gellcoat move to 1000 or finer that can be polished out with rubbing compound.Try it on a small spot by hand and you will work out what paper works best and is the easiest to polish up. The variable speed rotary buffer I have has a large sponge pad that velcro's on I use this for putting on the compound with a bit of water to keep it moist and not to fast because it will burn the gellcoat , I all so have a sponge that the sandpaper velcro's on to ,helps stop it from digging in. By the time you have the compound on it should be ready to take off were you started dont let it bake in the sun, if its to hot just do a small bit at a time same with the wax .Practice makes perfect so keep trying on your small spots till you get the finish you want.I had no fingerprints for weeks when I was doing mine.
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx179/fergalbutler/bow light/004.jpg

 

[HVAC Cruiser]

Re: Restore my topside gelcoat... very confused

I don't know if this will help but I've heard real good things about Poli-glow Vegas used it on one of his restorations and it came out great, here is a link the page where he talks about it and has links to a video and photos

PROJECT JEZABEL1981 SLEEK-craft Executive 23ft

Hope that helps

 

[mpc]

Re: Restore my topside gelcoat... very confused

Hey there, welcome to iboats these guys really know what they are talking about. I had a project similer to yours I used a 1000 and 1200 wet sand then I used Farecla 200 then 500 rubbing compound using a wool buffing pad. After this get some finesse it polish and then sit back and watch it shine I admit it a is little work but you will be happy with the results. Remember to get a good wash down before you tackle this project you can use a detergent for marine use or you can mix a solution and use viniger solution to cut excess soap instead of using M.E.K or acetone this is a remedy I got from a place that restores boats in Parker, Az this will help cut cost the compound you can order from G.C.M distribitors. Hope this helps these guys helped me so I just wanted to return the favor.