What product for restoring the gel coat?????

[Streffpilot]

What would be the best product for restoring the color and shine in the gel coat on my boat. Don't laugh, I know she needs some love, but she is my baby (after the Admiral, of course).

I was thinking this 3M product: 3M Marine "One Step" Fiberglass Restorer and Wax - iboats

Any advice on how to restore the gel coat the best??

Thank you ahead of time.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What product for restoring the gel coat?????

The 3m works really well but I would recommend using a VS Polisher to apply it. As bad as your Oxidation is it would take a lot of Elbow grease to bring her back to life. The polisher would make is a lot easier. Make sure to wask her really well first with something like TSP. Tri Sodium Phosphate. You can buy it @ Lowe's

 

[Streffpilot]

Re: What product for restoring the gel coat?????

Ok, thanks, I have actually cleaned the hull so it looks much better than that right now, but I will definitely use your suggestion to clean any of the imperfections out.

Is there any way to remove the residue or whatever From where the stickers were??? Sanding???? I know nothing about gel coats so I'm asking so I don't screw it up, because believe it or not, there isn't a single crack

 

[Streffpilot]

Re: What product for restoring the gel coat?????

It's in storage so no pics. Maybe I'll go visit her today

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: What product for restoring the gel coat?????

Ok, thanks, I have actually cleaned the hull so it looks much better than that right now, but I will definitely use your suggestion to clean any of the imperfections out.

Is there any way to remove the residue or whatever From where the stickers were??? Sanding???? I know nothing about gel coats so I'm asking so I don't screw it up, because believe it or not, there isn't a single crack

You could try some acetone for the adhesive.

Gelcoat is kinda hard to screw up. You could "burn" it with a polisher .. but you would almost have to do it intentialy. The edges are where you have to be kinda careful.

YD.

 

[Streffpilot]

Re: What product for restoring the gel coat?????

Thanks, Yacht Dr. This was one of those "free" boats, also my first, so it is a learning experience!!! Thankfully, the stringers and transom were good and solid. The rest.......well it's in a dumpster somewhere.

I will try the acetone once the weather breaks (live in Wisconsin...)

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: What product for restoring the gel coat?????

Nice "Free boat" ..

If you can heat the adhesive up a bit with a hair dryer .. then acetone.

3m makes stuff called "adhesive remover" comes in a spray or just a qt. can. It works well mate.

Heat is a good thing when using these products ..

YD.