Topic: Oxidized Gel Coat??? (Read 2981 times)

Mike Cork · « **on:** August 15, 2004, 02:16:44 PM »

The gel coat on my boat is clouding up in spots, almost looks like a car paint job that is oxidizing. I was once told that this is due to mostiture, don't really know. But I do know I have seen boats that had it and it was buffed out somehow. Does anyone know of a polish or wax that will buff this clear again?

Mike Noble · « **Reply #1 on:** August 15, 2004, 02:50:46 PM »

Mike, I believe Brent Thomas had a problem a couple of years ago with his gel coat clouding up. You might check with him to see what he did to take care of it. The dri-wash doesn't help?

Mike Cork · « **Reply #2 on:** August 15, 2004, 05:06:17 PM »

Yeah I remember Brent's and he told me they polished it out. No the dry wash does a great job of cleaning and waxing but it doesn't help this.

DundeeMike · « **Reply #3 on:** August 16, 2004, 01:44:28 PM »

Mike, I think the only way you can "clear" it up is to use a polishing compound and a buffer. You have to keep the buffer moving or else it will burn. I seen a guy do this, and man, it looked good as new when he was done.....

Mike Cork · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2004, 03:21:13 PM »

Thats what I was thinking, but I am afraid to try it for fear of scratching the gel goat horribly if done wrong. You would happen to know what grade of polishing compound? Meaning was it some high tech stuff or just regular ole polishing compound?

DundeeMike · « **Reply #5 on:** August 16, 2004, 04:12:18 PM »

Mike, You can go to any marina , or boat supply store, and tell them what you want to do. They will help you out with what to get. I even think they might have an instruction booklet on how to buff it out. The best way to do it in my opinion, would be try a small area that is not in a noticeable spot. I heard the trick is , keep the BUFFER MOVING. I also heard of taking a real fine wet sand paper to the area, if it is not that bad...Good Luck...

Mike Cork · « **Reply #6 on:** August 17, 2004, 12:03:16 AM »

Thanks for the info Dundee, I think I am just going to have to get brave and do it. What's the worst that can happen, put yet another hole in my boat

Mike Noble · « **Reply #7 on:** August 17, 2004, 07:24:37 AM »

Mike, I know that Randy Sellers uses a buffer to do the dri-wash. He might be able to tell you about the amount of pressure to use and other particulars.

Jared LeBlue · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2004, 02:53:11 PM »

Mike, I've seen this happen on many boats including mine. If it is a dark finish it happens faster and shows more. You can use a very light grit compound and buffer but be carefull. I've even seen people use a super light grit water sandpaper. Either one of the procedures will make your boat look good but the oxidation comes back pretty quickly. Look at it this way it could be a very good excuse for a new boat, maybe even that Gambler you want.

Mike Cork · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2004, 03:14:49 PM »

Not that it will happen anytime in the near future, but that is the game plan. Clean this one up and look into getting the 5th and final (fiberglass) boat. Who knows maybe I will win the lottery, oh I think you gotta play first though

Thanks for the help everyone

Ranger375 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 19, 2004, 06:26:38 PM »

I will tell you this much from personal experience....Gelcoat is some very hard stuff...and it takes a lot of practice to learn how to work with it. I have been doing touch-ups and repairs on boats, including mine, for too many years to think about. I would say that unless you really feel comfortable and know what you are getting into you might want to have someone that does it for a living take care of it for you the first time. Of course learn what they do so you can do it next time.

It isn't something that can't be learned but when it is your boat it can be very frustrating to get it the way you want it.

The hard part...after getting the scratches out...is getting the shine back. One hint...there is usually no single product that will remove all the scratches and also give you the finished look. Usually it takes multiple products to get to the end result and all really should be done with a buffer.

MotherNature · « **Reply #11 on:** August 19, 2004, 09:06:20 PM »

Quote from: Mike on August 17, 2004, 12:03:16 AM

Thanks for the info Dundee, I think I am just going to have to get brave and do it. What's the worst that can happen, put yet another hole in my boat

No more holes, we can't afford it

I hope that when we get settled again you can have your (our) new boat. You really do deserve it

Laurie

PJ Lures · « **Reply #12 on:** August 24, 2004, 02:53:47 PM »

Just finished doing mt boat Saturday. We got it at the boat dealer. Started out with 500 grit wet sand then 700 then 1000 then 1500. Then a fine rubbing compound then another bottle of stuff then it was some enhancer then cleaner and polish. About $80.00 and a lot of work.But it looks like a bran new boat. Very pleased with the results.

Mike Cork · « **Reply #13 on:** August 24, 2004, 03:13:44 PM »

wow that does sound like allot of work, but for 80 bucks and some elbow grease I think it will be worth it, thanks

left_turn56 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 24, 2004, 04:01:22 PM »

If you aren't happy with how it turned out I would be happy to give you the number of the guy I bought my boat from...he uses only the finest rollers and house paint available!
Left_turn56

Mike Cork · « **Reply #15 on:** August 24, 2004, 04:25:41 PM »

Excellent post

Mike Noble · « **Reply #16 on:** August 24, 2004, 07:33:16 PM »

Left_turn....

Does he use a drop cloth?

PJ Lures · « **Reply #17 on:** August 24, 2004, 10:05:20 PM »

Very good I had a car that he done a few years ago

Jared LeBlue · « **Reply #18 on:** August 25, 2004, 09:23:06 AM »

Left turn you crack me up. Thanks for the laugh.

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