I purchased a 1967 O'Day Tempest last year and am looking to brighten the deck. Has faded badly over the years- what is the best cleaner/solvent to use to brighten the fiberglass?
Deck cleaning and restoration
- Thread starter cbyl
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I wet sanded mine with 1000 grit wet paper. A quality compound and cleaner wax. Throughout the season I like to use Woody Wax. It's a liqued wax u apply with a brush.
Check out Maine Sail's buffing tutorial: http://forums.oday.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=117266
However, if your deck has non-skid, I haven't heard a good way to restore the non-skid yet, short of grinding it off and painting with your favorite non-skid finish. Interlux Interdeck and Kiwi Grip are, I think, the two leading paints for non-skid.
You can also mix crushed walnut shells, or sandy pumice stuff, or any number of other things into your favorite topsides paint.
I have heard of some folks using runny compound with a buffer. From my experience polishing the smooth gelcoat next to my nonskid, I think that would reduce the texture and grip of my nonskid.
I'm going to scrub mine with a scrub brush really well, using nonskid cleaner, and then use Woody Wax. I'm not altogether happy with Woody Wax, but I have a ton of it, and it goes a long way. Maybe next year I'll pony up for a round of Aurora Sure Step.
Brian
However, if your deck has non-skid, I haven't heard a good way to restore the non-skid yet, short of grinding it off and painting with your favorite non-skid finish. Interlux Interdeck and Kiwi Grip are, I think, the two leading paints for non-skid.
You can also mix crushed walnut shells, or sandy pumice stuff, or any number of other things into your favorite topsides paint.
I have heard of some folks using runny compound with a buffer. From my experience polishing the smooth gelcoat next to my nonskid, I think that would reduce the texture and grip of my nonskid.
I'm going to scrub mine with a scrub brush really well, using nonskid cleaner, and then use Woody Wax. I'm not altogether happy with Woody Wax, but I have a ton of it, and it goes a long way. Maybe next year I'll pony up for a round of Aurora Sure Step.
Brian
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