Re: Faded Gel Coat - Yacht Brite
Hi Joe<br /><br />I too have a yellow 1977 runabout that was **very** badly faded and oxidized.<br /><br />I used a variety of cheap and readily available materials including Comet on a Scotchbrite pad, Comet on a Steel Wool 000 pad, wet sanding paper #600, Automotive rubbing compound, Automotive Polish and wax combos... I also tried a power buffer with buffing compound bars as the buffing agent.<br /><br />I tried each one on a small area to see what worked.<br /><br />Generally; I was able to get a very nice shine...and an overall good appearance (it's not an embarrasment anymore...) but I was never able to restore the deep shade of yellow that peeks out from behind decals and other areas that were protected from the sun over the years.<br /><br />I've come to the conclusion that I've done as much as I can...and that the UV rays from the sun have pretty much bleached that color away.<br /><br />I've been told that yellow is a pretty hard color to keep from fading in that manner.<br /><br />So, I have a pretty looking boat in a slightly different (lighter) shade of yellow. There were black tape stripes on the sides that I peeled off...to reveal the way deeper yellow color underneath. Rather than replace the striping tape...I'll leave it like it is...now I have Deep yellow Stripes on a lighter yellow hull....all shining like new! Works for me.<br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck
