Restoring the shine to fiberglass

[Beached]

I'm sure this topic has been touched on before.But I'm wondering if I have an extreme case or not. This 15' Venture catamaran hasn't been in the water for 15 years.She cleaned up easy enough,but the finish is dull.Someone mentioned first wipe her down with MEK or acetone ? Should I use rubbing or polishing compound? Which is the best wax? Does the bluish/green deck on the pontoons get the same treatment? Whats best for removing residual adhesive that was left from old lettering?<br /> ----------------------------<br /> I read the topic sand paper vs. wax.<br /> I believe its more important to "look maavelous"!!<br /><br />

 

[sloopy]

Re: Restoring the shine to fiberglass

2 words!!!<br /><br />KEROSEEN!!!

 

[Knoxes]

Re: Restoring the shine to fiberglass

Hey Ed - we're gonna get that boat up and runnin'. If it's oxidization, then I'd use Maguire's 3 step with an orbital. You can get all this at West Marine. The Maguire's is a marine polish. It may take a couple of passes with the anti-ox (1st step) and an orb. I bought a 9" orb and I wish I had a smaller one. It covers a lot of area but is hard to handle and requires two hands. If I had it to do over, I'd buy the 4". This should clean the hull and the decks. There's some stuff at Home Depot called Goop Off (I think) that's used to remove old adhesive.

 

[Beached]

Re: Restoring the shine to fiberglass

Sloopy,<br /> Where did you "pirate" that graemlin

 

[Beached]

Re: Restoring the shine to fiberglass

Knoxes,<br /> I agree that Maguire's makes a great product. About your buffer,would a smaller bonnet give you more swirl marks on a car finish.

 

[Knoxes]

Re: Restoring the shine to fiberglass

You know, I'm not really sure. I haven't tried it on the cars yet. I have (somewhere) a complete instruction on detailing the cars, and I recall him using a orbit, but also doing that hand rub compound. Too much work for me. On the boat, tho, mine was just ozidized and altho I didn't really give it a good going over, it did look a lot better. The wife was getting a bit pissy about it being out of commission, so I had to cut my detailing project short.

 

[Beached]

Re: Restoring the shine to fiberglass

Knoxes,<br /> I found some information pamphlets that are free at Boat U.S. The hand-outs are called "Don Casey shows you how".They are informative ,but like most how-to books they give you just enough info to get you into trouble.<br />------------------------------------------------------there's no teacher better than experience!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Restoring the shine to fiberglass

3M hull and fiberglass restorer works great. Comes in a cheap bottle (Hear that 3M people!) but works great on heavily oxidized finishes.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Beached]

Re: Restoring the shine to fiberglass

BOB VT,<br /> Thanks for the info.The choice wasn't easy.First compound,polish then wax vs. stripping,polish then apply several coats of sealer.Both last about a year.I decided to use compound,polish,wax (with an electric buffer).I was concerned about the sealer in the restorer flaking or discoloring.How long have you been using 3M sealers.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Restoring the shine to fiberglass

I have been using the 3M products on my hulls for about 5 years with good success. There are many types of products look at the web site http://www.3m.com/US/auto_marine_aero/marine/catalog/index.jhtml for a good explanation.<br /><br />I have restored some very heavy oxidized fiberglass with them. Lots of work but worth every bit of sweat!<br /><br />Bob

 

[Beached]

Re: Restoring the shine to fiberglass

BOB,<br /> A true "labor of love".<br />Thanks again,I'll give 3M a try.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Restoring the shine to fiberglass

Collinite #870!!!