Fiberglass Hull Restoration

[Sandy-man]

I have a 1988 Bayliner Capri with a 18' fiberglass hull. It's a beautiful boat but the gelcote has a fair amount of oxidation, or at least I think that's what it is. When I wash it, while it is still wet the colors are deep and vibrant, but as it starts to dry the colors turn chalky, like a white hazing. I've tried waxing and buffing but nothing I've tried so far works. See attached picture

Any suggestions, please? Thank you!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Wet sand, then buff, then buff, then wax

 

[Sandy-man]

Wet sand, then buff, then buff, then wax

Is there a particular grit sandpaper that is best for this?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Start with 320, go up to 400, then 600. Then start with Aquabuff 1000, then go to Aquabuff 2000, then follow up with Finesse IT

 

[redneck joe]

hope you will have a buffer, not doing by hand.

I've used soft scrub before.

 

[Sandy-man]

Start with 320, go up to 400, then 600. Then start with Aquabuff 1000, then go to Aquabuff 2000, then follow up with Finesse IT

Thank you, Scott. I will give this a try on a small spot and if the results are good I will work up a bunch of elbow grease to do the rest of the boat.

 

[Sandy-man]

hope you will have a buffer, not doing by hand.

I've used soft scrub before.

Yes, I have a handheld buffer, it's a bit old and might not be as good as modern buffers though. I should probably buy a new one as the one I have was fairly old when I bought it at a garage sale many moons ago.

 

[Sandy-man]

Thank you, Scott. I will give this a try on a small spot and if the results are good I will work up a bunch of elbow grease to do the rest of the boat.

Do you recommend a palm vibe sander, or by hand?

 

[flashback]

you probably want to wet sand.