faded gelcoat

[saltshaker28]

I just bought a 28 te and the gelcoat is badly oxidized has anyone come across this issue and if so how did you fix it

[Denis]

The four year old Awlgrip on my boat looks great.

[Pitou]

From what I understand once a dark colored gelcoat hull is badly oxidized it's time for awlgrip. I have been able to keep my blue hull looking good by using a 3 step process. Caution / lots of work !

1st / I use 3M Super Duty rubbing compound applied with a wheel set between 1800 - 2200 RPM
2nd / I apply 3M Foam Polishing Glaze with foam pad using the same wheel.
3rd and last I apply by hand Collinite No. 885 paste wax and buff off.
Lot's of compliments, but then again the hull is an '02 and has been maintained since new.

[Mariner]

I like Pitou's regimin. However, there are many different ways to do this. One that I like to use, is a two step process using 3M cleaner wax with a high speed buffing wheel (or a lot of elbow grease), followed by 3M hard wax using a lower speed random orbital buffer.

[Pitou]

Thanks Mariner, I bought a high speed DeWalt buffing wheel from a local autobody supply store and had them put a velcro attachment on it to make it easy to switch compound pads or buffing wheels / works great.

I must confess 2 years ago I used the 3M cleaner wax (compound in it) and then applied the Collinite Paste. Honestly on my hull that was all I needed, but wanted to suggest the full treatment for a badly oxidized hull. As always be careful with these high speed wheels so as not to burn the gelcoat.

[Albinflorida]

You will have to paint her at some point. Eventually the compounding is going to burn through the gel coat. We have had success with Awlgrip, Imron and Sterling. Just use the paint your yard is the most comfortable with.

Doug Jenkins
Massey Yacht Sales