Gelcoat faded!!

W

weaz14

Cadet
Joined
Dec 6, 2011
Messages
11
Got my first boat 89 2150 Bayliner 5.8 omc I/O and love it so does my 2yr old!!!

Got the boat for a steal and is in great cond. except for the sun got to it I guess and it's faded like heck I started buffing (buffed the one side 3x) it with power buffer and compound took the fade off it pretty well but just can't get her to really shine and get more of the fade off it! I like doing things myself and so is there anyway good way to get the color back out of it or is that all I can pretty much do!
 
chriscraft254

chriscraft254

Commander
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
2,445
Re: Gelcoat faded!!

Use a good gel coat compound or gel coat restore compound and do it by hand. Keep it wet while compounding. When you do it by hand, you can feel the surface better and really work the compound. You will know when it is right because the compounding will get easier. Once done, use a good wax like woodys, starbright, 3m etc. to buff and shine.

Sounds like to me you may need a good wet sanding with 1000 grit paper if the compound doesn't get it. Keep the paper wet when sanding. It will look dull until you wax coat it.
 
oops!

oops!

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
12,932
Re: Gelcoat faded!!

HI......welcome to iboats !

what compound are you using?....and what buffer?

speed is important to a good job...compounds usually ask for 1850- 2200 rpm !

cheers
oops
 
CaptainKickback

CaptainKickback

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
1,060
Re: Gelcoat faded!!

The chief mechanic at the marina where I stored my previous boat told me its easy, get a buffer, and have at it. So, I bought and orbital polisher and got some compound from West Marine. Then I went to the marina where they had put the boat on blocks for me. I sterted working and the mechanic came out. He said tge good news is you're working on the boat. The bad news is you bought the wrong buffer. Lol

Anyway, he loaned me a buffer, the right compound, and showed me how to use it. It did work great and the boat looked like new. It did take me three 8 hour days (30') but was worth it.
 
tommays

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: Gelcoat faded!!

A tool like the 9227c can be found a good price with everything you need but compound and the variable speed allows a inexperienced person to work at a LOW RPM and not burn the gelcoat [h=1]Makita 7" 9227C Buffer Polisher Sander Kit 9227cx3[/h]
 
Bob_VT

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,022
Re: Gelcoat faded!!

Many people here purchase a harbor freight or northern tool branded polisher which works great. I agree the Makita or Milwaukee are better quality but the cheaper ones are fine since you are not doing a commercial business.
 
W

weaz14

Cadet
Joined
Dec 6, 2011
Messages
11
Using a meguiars mirror glaze #85 heavy cut compound and the buffer was my buddies so not sure what rpm's it was but seems like you guys are saying a high rpm buffer if your careful
 
chriscraft254

chriscraft254

Commander
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
2,445
Re: Gelcoat faded!!

Wet sanding will make it look new again if properly done. Start with no more than 600 grit, then work your way up to 1000 grit, 1200, grit and maybe 1500 grit. Compounding does the same thing but alot slower because it is more like a 2500 to 3000 grit. Apply whatever wax you chose after wet sanding.
 
oops!

oops!

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
12,932
Re: Gelcoat faded!!

CaptainKickback said:
The bad news is you bought the wrong buffer. Lol

Anyway, he loaned me a buffer, the right compound, and showed me how to use it. It did work great and the boat looked like new. It did take me three 8 hour days (30') but was worth it.
Click to expand...

Yeppers !!! those little car toys don't do half the job a lambs wool and a real tool will do.

tommays said:
A tool like the 9227c can be found a good price with everything you need but compound and the variable speed allows a inexperienced person to work at a LOW RPM and not burn the gelcoat [h=1]Makita 7" 9227C Buffer Polisher Sander Kit 9227cx3[/h]
Click to expand...

I run the big makita......the thing is a real work horse.......however...bob says.....

Bob_VT said:
Many people here purchase a harbor freight or northern tool branded polisher which works great. I agree the Makita or Milwaukee are better quality but the cheaper ones are fine since you are not doing a commercial business.
Click to expand...

and he is correct.......nothing wrong with the HF sander/polishers......just get a vary speed one.

chriscraft254 said:
Wet sanding will make it look new again if properly done. Start with no more than 600 grit, then work your way up to 1000 grit, 1200, grit and maybe 1500 grit. Compounding does the same thing but alot slower because it is more like a 2500 to 3000 grit. Apply whatever wax you chose after wet sanding.
Click to expand...

wet sanding, or re surfacing the gellcoat......is a real last ditch effort.... if not done correctly, a blotchy finish will result.....but time, elbow grease, and lots of wet paper will work...
 
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