Gelcoat Restoration 89' Arriva - Red

[12guns]

Forgive me if this has already been discussed or and or again, I searched and was unable to locate an answer to my questions.
A friend of mine has a 89' Arriva w/ the large red stripe down the side, then grey under that. Last year I wet sanded (by hand) with 1500 grit, then 2000, then buffed w/ liquid wax. It looks much better than when I started, but I feel it will need more sanding and a better buffer to make it shine like I want.
Questions:
What kind of sander can be used?
What is the best liquid wax or finishing compound to use?
Can I use an orbital air sander?
I have googled and found several topics, but none mention what type buffer to use. Mine is a crappy cheap buffer form the auto parts store. I can spend all day buffing and hardly tell where I've been.
I'll be happy to purchase or rent whatever will make this process go the fastet. Thanks so much for any input! We're getter her ready for the lake this weekend!

 

[BWT]

Re: Gelcoat Restoration 89' Arriva - Red

Sander: I don't know that I would recommend this kind of tool for a first time use; it's very easy to accidentally sand through the gelcoat (assuming it's gel and not paint). If you've already done this by hand it shouldn't really be necessary....

Finishing compound: Everybody has their personal favorite, mine happens to be Meguiar's Oxidation Remover. If you were buffing before with a wax that isn't going to do much for restoring the surface. You need something with some grit built into it.

Buffer: any rotary buffer would work for this; those kind that just vibrate don't seem to do a whole lot in my opinion. A rotary buffer set on slow speed with a wool buffing pad works really well. As far as brands, there's Makita, Dewalt, Black and decker may have one, not sure though; they are going to be the most inexpensive. There are others out there but they are quite a bit more money. Personally I would try the buffer you have with a good buffing compound and see how it turns out. After that, then go over with a type of wax...

Hope this helps!

 

[12guns]

Re: Gelcoat Restoration 89' Arriva - Red

Great info. I'll look into renting an orbital buffer, it should help alot vs. my cheap vibrating buffer. I have some
3M "rubbing compound" that I found in my garage tonight. I'll try it rather than the liquid wax. I agree the wax doesn't have near enough grit to do much good. Maybe I'll use it last for a final coat. Oh, and I have some 1500 grit Toyota brand liquid compound if I can find it. That with an orbital buffer should do ok. Thanks again!

 

[12guns]

Re: Gelcoat Restoration 89' Arriva - Red

I got it done! Borrowed an orbital buffer from a body shop I work with. They also gave me some rubbing compound. One pass w/ the buffer is all it took. Shined up real nice!! I need to get a good coat of wax on it, but it already looks 100% better. Thanks for the help, the real buffer did the trick!

 

[BWT]

Re: Gelcoat Restoration 89' Arriva - Red

Good deal; so when are the before and after pics coming??

 

[12guns]

Re: Gelcoat Restoration 89' Arriva - Red

Well, I failed to get real good before and after pics. I do have one on my cell phone of the top deck before/after. I'll try to get it on my computer and upload it....it's pretty cool seeing the difference one good buffing can do!