Restoring 25 year old fiberglass

[Mark]

Any wisdom on how to restore/refinish an old boat's glass? Powdering, spidering some small chipping? Has anyone had experience with Poli Glow?

 

[Bob Shafer]

restoring old fiberglass

I bought a '75 Catalina 27 last May and spent last summer bringing it back into shape. I used Vertiglas, available through West Marine or Boats US, which is very similar to Poliglow. It is simple to apply and works great. I used it on the hull sides. Beautiful sheen durability, much better than any other kind of laborious removal of oxidation, waxing and buffing (UGHH!!!!!)I painted the topsides with Interlux nonskid paint, which is fine, just thin it with their thinner for even application. I used Interlux Brightsides for the glossy areas on the topsides, although I understand through Practical Sailor that the new Interlux Toplac paint is even better than the Brightsides for glossy areas on the deck. Of course I applied a good bottom paint, two coats before it was put back in the water.Good luck!

 

[Dan]

just did the poli-glow

gig about a month ago. was very pleased with the results. hard work is getting her clean, easy to apply the poli-glow. I would say well worth the effort. a little trick I picked up in the boat yard was for real bad stains and scuffs use a real fine wet sandpaper with a little soft scrub.

 

[Geoffrey Jackson]

Try Island Girl products for gelcoat restoration

I used the Island Girl cleaner, sealer, and wax to fix up weathered gelcoat on a 1975 Catalina 27. Less work than traditional methods. The real payoff was a year later. Putting another coat of the IG wax on was real easy because the gelcoat was still in great condition.Check the IG web site (see link). Click on Product Uses.First time, I used the Sea Glow to clean the weathered gelcoat, then applied the Silkenseal to seal it. Finally, applied the Superwax.After that, just wash the boat and wipe on the Superwax. It's great stuff - no buffing required.If you still have enough gelcoat left, this is a good system. If it's worn off and you see resin instead, time to paint.

 

[Steve]

VERTGLASS

We used vertglass on our catalina 22, 27 and a friends 34 and it is truely amazing. Makes ugly oxidized fiberglass look brand new. Even got complements in the marina this summer. Buy the optional 10 inch brush and it will make quick work. Multiple coats give it a deep shine. Have fun. bought it from West Marine - special ordered it for us.

 

[Chuck Reed]

I agree use the Pol-glow

I tried both the Poli-Glow and the Island Girl. The Poli-glow did a much better job. I had spots that the Island girl made no difference redid them with poli-glow and they now shine.