Wet Sanding Gel Coat - Help Needed

[samm835]

I am getting some of my winter projects crossed off my list. I have an 86 Supra, the gelcoat is in good shape, but has some fading to it(minor) and I would like to bring it back to a great shine. I picked up 1000grit wet paper, new 3M compound and new 3M polishing (both to be applied by orbital wool). Like I said my gel is in decent shape, so I didn't want to get to rough on the paper.....that is why I am starting with 1000grit so I only take off some. I will be sanding by hand with a block, does anyone have any helpful suggestions, methods....what to do, what not do....? THanks for any help.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Wet Sanding Gel Coat - Help Needed

If it's not that bad, I'd just use the compound and the Polish and forego the sanding. Set the polisher on a medium speed compound it lightly and then polish. But first make sure and give her a good bath with hot soap and water and a little bleach. Then a final wipe down with some acetone to get rid of any grease and or previous wax build up

 

[Larry E]

Re: Wet Sanding Gel Coat - Help Needed

Just curious. Please explain what "gel coat" is and how is it different from paint? Because it looks like someone painted the boat I have.

Thanks
Larry E

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Wet Sanding Gel Coat - Help Needed

Good morning samm .

I would suggest you try to buff your boat out before sanding on it.

An Orbital is not going to cut it. You need a 'rotary' buffer/polisher ( Gelcoat is not paint..you can get aggressive with gel ) .

First step is to wash your boat. Then try and buff it back to a shine.

If you need to wet sand then so be it.

I would Not use a block when wet sanding with fine paper. You are not trying to 'fair' .. your trying to just break up the surface enough for you to buff the rest out.

Do a small area to evaluate what is going to be the best method for your expectation.

Pics ?

YD.

Edit: Woody beat me to it lol.

 

[samm835]

Re: Wet Sanding Gel Coat - Help Needed

Thanks guys, I will try with the compound....then the polish. Sorry I used wrong terminology, i meant to say I would use my "rotary" with a wool bonet....or sponge. I will start out on medium speed to see how its working out. I will take some of the before and afters also. Thanks

 

[Sleeper-6]

Re: Wet Sanding Gel Coat - Help Needed

As the others have said, start with the least aggressive methods on a small section first. When you have the method perfected there then apply it to the whole boat. Good call on the rotary buffer, not sure a DA would have enough cut for the gel coat.

Careful with any sharp edges, always try to keep the wheel rotating off of them rather than into. That will help prevent you from removing too much material along them. When in doubt, masking tape on areas you don't want the want the wheel to contact works great.