Slight yellowing of gel coat

[Blue Mist 97]

I bought my newest boat 2 years ago and when I took off the old numbers after re registering, I saw that there was a difference in the gel coat. The boat looks very white, but the area under the old numbers was very very white, thus giving off the appearance of ghost numbers.

By looking at it, you can plainly see that there is a slight yellowing to the gel coat on the remaining 99.99% of the hull. I don't know if it is inherent in white boats or if it is UV damage.

I have read on many different forums trying to find out if there is anything that can be done to bring the boat back to its original white color. Many say to wet sand, buff, polish and wax. Others say to try different types of cleaners (most of which contain muratic acid, which I am leery of using when I saw what it did to my garage floor).

Question is this: Can anything be done to rejuvenate the hull and bring back the white? This boat is in good condition and doesn't have any visible oxidation. Previous owner took very good care of it and I do as well. I would have never realized that the hull had yellowed, had I not had to replace the numbers.

How far would I have to go? What products would be best for what I am looking to do?

Any help would be appreciated

[B&B Tennessee]

Try 3m super duty to cut... if that doesnt work, wetsand.

[KKYS]

Yellowing in white gelcoat is oxidation, except for surface contaminates
or deep staining.
Many times the color pigments oxidized before the resin/polyesters.
So the surface may feel soft and smooth to the touch but the color
pigments are distorted. To correct this you are going to have to use a
heavy compound(600p to 800P) or wet sand.

[Blue Mist 97]

Thanks for the info guys. I was really afraid that heavy compound was going to be the answer. I have already buffed it and polished it and the ghost numbers are still there.

It's spring in Texas and the lakes are calling. I plan on gettin' busy with the compound in the late fall when I can take my time and do it right. Hope to find out more details about the correct way to do this before then.

Again, Thanks