Buffing Gelcoat

[outboardnut]

Hi Everyone.
Looking for pros or words of advise on buffing and restoring Gelcoat.
Tips and what you use is appreciated!

I'm new to the job...just tried some McGuliers one step and follow up with some hard shell turtle wax...turned out OK. Boat was weather so bad the coat was rough to the touch.
Applied with a Makita orbital varible speed buffer.

 

[QC]

Re: Buffing Gelcoat

I moved this over to the Boat Restoration section as you'll get a more focused response here. Good luck!!

 

[Aviator5]

Re: Buffing Gelcoat

I'm facing the same problem.
I used Vertglass once in the past, will newer use it again.
I wonder if anybody has experience with Presto gellcoat rejuvenator.

 

[outboardnut]

Re: Buffing Gelcoat

vertglass kind looks like newglass2......will never use the newglass2 again either.....the newglass is supposed to come with a money back guarantee but they woudn't give me a refund when I called and told them it was junk.
The stuff is like a yellowish very thin polurethane...dries dull and horrible.
Plus you have to worry about it flaking off.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Buffing Gelcoat

I still need to do more on mine.I buffed it with a wool pad and a automotive compound.Worked ok took years of age off .Its hard back breaking work.

 

[Gelcoat-jon]

Re: Buffing Gelcoat

Hello, Use some 3m heavy duty rubbing compound, then wax. You did'nt state what kind of boat I believe. If it is a metal-flake boat, you probably feel the flake and needs to be recleared. If it is just solid gel then trust me, I do this for a livin in Florida 28 yrs., If for some reason 3m does'nt do it to your likeing and it still looks alittle hazey, a couple times with 3m should, then wet sand with 1200 and a block. use block otherwise you get finger marks everywhere. Then buff out and wax. Don';t spend a ton of money on wax cause it says it's marine or the best. Again 28 years, don't laugh, Nufinish car wax. It's petrolium base. Good Stuff !!!! Keep wax on it, every other month if year round use. Happy & Safe Boating Gelcoat-Jon

 

[Provo5]

Re: Buffing Gelcoat

The finish on my boat was really bad. I sanded it with 180 until I hit color. Then used 3m compound and buffer. I had to go over the boat 3 times with the compound before polishing it. I am very happy with the way it turned out.

 

[arks]

Re: Buffing Gelcoat

There's no easy way if you want it to look good.
Here's a thread with a good description of the buffing process and materials needed: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=261637

Look at some pics I took while buffing my old boat:

 

[outboardnut]

Re: Buffing Gelcoat

wow there is some good stuff and responses here. Thanks everyone.

I totally agree about the miracle componds. I got it on the newglass2 and learned a valuable lesson.

I happen to have some turtle wax rubbing compound here that is red on the shelf. I'll keep an eye out for the "3M heavy duty" and give it a try.

The McGuillars "one step" works pretty good. It's a white gritty paste but the boat still needs waxed when you are done IMO and the stuff is expensive. I think it works better on the not so weathered boats.

 

[danond]

Re: Buffing Gelcoat

My site under the section "Buffing Fiberglass" explains how I did it. Similar to others. The key is good and proper sanding. After that it's pretty easy.