gelcoat needs sanding?

[ronniejw]

I've been given a boat that has sat out in the weather for several years, the gelcoat isn't looking too good. I am trying to bring it back as close to the color and shine it had before, took off the old trolling motor and underneath it is really bright. Will sanding and cutting bring it back ? was thinking of using 1000 grit to try sanding it back, it feels like a coating on it. I have cutting compound and want to try that with sanding, any ideas ?

 

[Mule Laker]

Will sanding and cutting bring it back ?

In a word, yes.

You can try a good orbital buffer with a cutting compound first. I tried that route but needed to wet sand my whole boat and then machine buff. Lots of work but it turned a pink boat bright red!

 

[jbcurt00]

Depends on the gelcoat.... metalflake? Not so easy a yes or no answer.

Solid color? Probably, as stated above by Mule Laker

 

[ronniejw]

Depends on the gelcoat.... metalflake? Not so easy a yes or no answer.

Solid color? Probably, as stated above by Mule Laker

The main color is metalflake red, upper sides red, Will try on a part inside that will be carpeted and see how it works

 

[jbcurt00]

Can you feel the rough metal flake?

If so, unlikely to revive it in a satisfactory way, it'll be blotchy and uneven. And if you bury it in enough clear to cover the flake, what was exposed will be oxidized and a different color. What was sanded will be a slightly different flake size and shape, so it wont match areas the didnt have exposed flake.