Where to start with faded gel coat?

[rufnek100]

I have a 1993 24' Baja and the graphics are faded. The original decals on the side were replaced somewhere along the line (before I owned it) and I can see darker colors where the old decals were (the old/new surfaces still feel smooth to the touch, though). I've read a lot of the threads on this subject but am still confused on where to start because I'm not sure how bad mine is. It's definitely faded, but doesn't come off in my hands or anything like that.<br /><br />A lot of the threads talk about wet sanding first with different grit paper and end up with the buffing compound/polishing compound/wax steps. How do I know if I need to start with sanding or just hit it with buffing compound? It seems like a lot of wasted work if you start with the buffing compound only to find out you should have sanded first.<br /><br />I've never done this before and I read horror stories about people sanding through their gel coats, so I'm reluctant to try the sanding approach myself. Also, most all of the color restoration "kits" I see on the market are just various buffing compounds so maybe that's the solution unless it's an extreme case?<br /><br />Sorry to keep rehashing a subject that gets so much attention here, but I'm thoroughly confused.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

Try a spot first compounding it then wax.If that don't work,next step is sanding and on and on down the line!

 

[bounder4465]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

I have tried to share the proper gelcoat buffing compound and method on this forum many times, and time after time get blasted and branded a fool. From that point I had interested people email me for the information, only to get several rude, hateful replies mixed in with the ones who truely wanted to learn. It is time to try a new way.<br /><br />If you want to know the proper compound for gelcoat buffing..research the internet. Do what I did several years ago, and find what they use at the boat factories to buff out imperfections in their molds and boat finishes. I never watersand or wax a boat I buff, and they look like they just popped from the mold. It is all in using the proper compound. Seek and you will find the answer.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

Bounder I am sorry there are fools everywhere. Me included so tell me now or lose me...oh no not that quote!<br /><br />I may need your advise soon. Ok I need it real soon I an taking all the parts I can off the outside of the boat. I purposely lost the bayliner and capri emblems! I actually have a white boat and I thought it was off white

 

[rufnek100]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

I'm with Realgun, Bounder - far be it from me to blast anyone trying to help... I'm just looking for some advice from someone who's done this before. I figure it's easier to learn from someone else's mistakes...<br /><br />I've tried the internet search and still come out confused because there are so many differing opinions, and when you start searching those sites closer you realize they're just trying to sell you their product - hardly what I would call "objective" advice.<br /><br />Any advice on which products are better than others? I know Meguire's has a kit with a heavy-duty buffing compound, a polish, and a wax. 3M also has a "super duty rubbing compound" which they recommend to follow up with their "finesse-it" polishing compound product (to remove swirls?). Then there's the debate on natural (carnuba) wax vs polymers for the final step. The polymer people say you don't have to constantly reapply their products vs 3-4 times a season with natural wax. And Bounder - you say above that you never even wax at all?<br /><br />Some compounds appear to be a paste, while others appear to be more liquid (any preference?). Also, do all of these go on dry or wet? And how do you get it off when you're done? Just hose it off, wipe it off, or what? I know I'm probably making this more difficult than it has to be but I need a solid plan before I get started.<br /><br />I plan on using a rotary polisher and not doing any of this by hand (life's too short and all that time cuts into actually using the boat for it's intended purpose)...

 

[Tinkerer]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

I tried Bounder's method and it works way better than sanding, fibreglass polish, auto cutter, etc etc, which I've also tried. Here's what it did on the first test patch on my boat on a finish that had already been wet sanded then cut and polished and that didn't look too bad until I used Bounder's method. The boat is under a timber deck in daylight with light coming between the deck slats, although you wouldn't know that from the sanded parts. I'd been working on the boat so there is dust around but the test and surrounding areas are clean. No wax has been applied yet. It's Bounder's method and he's obviously had problems from some people so I'll leave it to him to reveal it or not in any way he chooses.<br /><br />

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[rufnek100]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

All righty, then - it sounds like I need to know Bounder's secret compound(s) of choice and methods of using them. I've researched the threads on this subject and Bounder keeps referring to "the right choice in compounds that make all the difference" without acutally giving it out. Man, Bounder - you musta got some real scorchers from people. Sorry to hear that. If you'd like, I can email ya offline and maybe you can help out the newbie. I've never used a rotary buffer, but I plan on getting one and learning for this job. Thanks!

 

[Tinkerer]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

rufnek<br /><br />My test patch was done with just a standard drill with a felt pad and then wool bonnet. But I'm gonna get proper polisher to do the whole boat.

 

[rufnek100]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

Thanks tinkerer. On Bounder's advice I emailed the mfr. and they use 3M Imperial Rubbing Compound, follow it with 3M Finesse-It II polishing compound, and finish with any high quality marine wax (they leave it to the dealers to wax), but recommend 3M products exclusively. So, unless anyone can give me a reason why this solution is not a good idea, I'm rolling forward and we'll see!<br /><br />I was impressed that the mfr. even emailed me back with a reply since it's a 3rd owner, 12 year old boat. The reply was quick, too. Nice to see customer service hasn't totally disappeared.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

Tinkerer,can you pass on any info?Email it to me!Thanks!

 

[Tinkerer]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

prockvoan<br /><br />rufnek's last post covers it, although other manufacturers make the same sorts of compounds.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

Ruffneck, without getting into the whole "bounder thing" by the way I have never used his idea and cannot comment on how well it works or doesn't. Did you mention in your original post that you were talking about graphics ? Are these painted or gelcoat graphics or are they of the stick-on/striping type ? Just wanted to point out that what any of us do for gelcoat issues are quite a bit different than striping or graphic issues. Let us know what you have.

 

[BillP]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

rufnek100,<br />This isn't a slam on anyone's method so don't take it that way. There really isn't "one" way to restore ALL gelcoats. If there was "one" way all pros would be doing it that way...and that isn't happening in the industry by pros that do it for a living. <br /><br />Sanding is for restoring worst case gel coats. Compounding and polishing is generally used for gelcoat in better physical condition. Methods that work on gelcoat kept in Indiana type weather won't work so great on neglected boats that sat 30 yrs in the Florida sun. You can spend a long time compounding & polishing or a short time sanding, compounding and polishing. The way you feel proficient at is also a determining factor. Sanding is unforgiving and compounding very forgiving. However, it's mostly about condition of gelcoat that determines the best way for restoring color. <br /><br />If compounding doesn't work on your hull, pull out the 600 grit (or less if that makes you comfortable) and manually dry sand at 45 degree angles. Then compound with med or coarse and final buff with polish.

 

[jamminmaz]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

This worked for me on '72 Fiberform that looked like a pink chalkboard, and now it is glossy deep red. many props to MARK42.<br /> http://www.mfgboats.com/restoring_glossgelcoat.htm <br /><br />I cant get it to link, so copy and paste to your browser.

 

[jamminmaz]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

nevermind, it linked.

 

[rufnek100]

Re: Where to start with faded gel coat?

Thanks everybody for the info. And I guess I was a little misleading. By "graphics", I meant the gel coat. There are vinyl decals on the side as well, but that's not what I was referring to.<br /><br />I'll take everyone's advice and try a test spot below the waterline to see how far I need to go. Wish me luck and once it's done I'll post some photos!