Can my boats gel coat be restored

**asap2stacks** · 07-19-2016, 08:11 PM

Can my boats gel coat be restored-imageuploadedbyagonline1468976800-229774-jpg

My boat has been sitting for 5 years in the open weather and has built up the oxidation/faded look as seen in the photo. Tomorrow I'm going to paint correction to the hull.

What grit sand paper for wet sanding should I use I was thinking 1200 grit?

I'm going to use my Mikita rotary with a wool pad and Meg's marine compound to remove the wet sand scratches.

Follow up with polishing with my mt300 6" black thin foam pad

And wax with PC using a black hex waxing pad.

Will this work I haven't choosing my polish or wax to use yet I was thinking HD speed but idk if I should test that on a boat or not.

**GSKR** · 07-19-2016, 08:15 PM

Hate to rain on your parade,but that thing is toast.maybe some poly wipe.

**asap2stacks** · 07-19-2016, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by GSKR

Hate to rain on your parade,but that thing is toast.maybe some poly wipe.

You don't think wet sanding the gel coat then compounding will remove the oxidation? I don't have much experience on boats I try to stay away from them but I would like to see what happens

**GSKR** · 07-19-2016, 08:22 PM

You can do what ever you want to it,work on it till 2018 it will fade right back.I don't think it's worth your time.

**asap2stacks** · 07-19-2016, 08:24 PM

So basically your saying yea it will look good but once it touches the water again it's going to build all the oxidation right back up

**GSKR** · 07-19-2016, 08:37 PM

Correct I'm greedy,but I would walk from that if you called me.Try some poly that is used on floors.wipe it on instant shine that will last maybe a year.

**GSKR** · 07-19-2016, 08:40 PM

I've seen it applied to rv surfaces.How much could that cost to repaint maybe 1500?

**Jaretr1** · 07-20-2016, 09:51 AM

I am not sure why a gel coat cant be revived. Its not like paint on a car. Before you get deep into sanding, start off with maybe a heavy compound and see how that does. A friend of mine restored the gel coat of a boat with just a compound, and his boat looks like brand new. If you keep protection on it, whatever restoration you do should hold up.

I suppose its possible the pigment in the color may have faded, or it just could be the top layer of oxidation. I would definitely try to restore it.

**Whitewater25** · 07-20-2016, 10:12 AM

I would try a heavy cut compound first in a test spot .You may find wet sanding is not needed. If it works,whatever the end result is,if you don't put some type of wax or sealant on it regularly,it will keep oxidizing. A full boat cover would help a lot! Good luck!

**rmagnus** · 07-20-2016, 12:02 PM

Do a search here on boat detailing as I know in the past it's been discussed. I don't do them but recall you'll need a rotary buffer and will pads. It's some hard work but I say go for it. It's your boat and sweat equity is inexpensive. If it works out it will be very rewarding.