Gel Coat Repair

[ramelton35]

I have a 2004 Sea Ray 180 BR Sport. It was a repo and was left out in the elements for awhile. The fiberglass has a "stained" look to it, and it is streaked and runs down the side. I have tried waxing and I even tried rubbing compound to clean it up, while it helped and made some spots look better, it does not look very glossy like I would like. Any suggestions? What types of kits are out there to repair this or is this something a proffessional should do? If so, what type of shop does this?

Thanks!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Gel Coat Repair

Buy one of these from Harbor Freight. 7" Variable Speed Polisher/Sander

Wash your boat with TSP(TriSodiumPhosphate, get it at Lowe's and mix according to directions).
Rinse with Clean water. After it dries do a wipe down with acetone keeping a clean rag.
Then get some of this...

and Use the polisher to apply but don't stay in one spot too long and don't press down too hard. You'll get the hang of it after a while. This will take the oxidation off and get you down to good gelcoat. Change your wool buffing pad often.
Give her another bath with TSP and Acetone.

Then get some of this...

Use a Clean Wool buffing pad, apply liberally, cchange pads often and then with a clean dry pad buff to shine.
She'll look like new but...It will take time, and a lot of "Elbow Grease" to bring her back to her Bee - U - Tee- Ful self. Seasonal maintenance will ensure you won't have to go thru all this work again.

 

[ramelton35]

Re: Gel Coat Repair

Thank you! I don't mind the elbow great to get her to shine again! So you are saying there will be gel coat under there? What seasonal maitenance does it need? Just a bath and some marine waxing?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Gel Coat Repair

Your boat, unless it has been painted, was coated with Gelcoat from the factory. the Gelcoat is approx 20 mils thick. It will over time oixidized and needs to be cleaned, buffed, and polished. Once this is done, if you keep her covered and do an annual polish she'll stay looking new for a long long time.

 

[ramelton35]

Re: Gel Coat Repair

Nope never been painted. Thanks again for all the help!

 

[ramelton35]

Re: Gel Coat Repair

I have the 3M Marine Rubbing Compound, is it ok to use that or is the super duty preferred?