Restoring Gelcoat finish

[Del, Ackels]

My boat is an 1986. While my boat has not been severely neglected, the top side has had nothing done to it for at least 5 years. I would like to hear about any technics and/or products etc. that have been used by other boat owners to restore or help restore the luster that Gelcoat has when new. The finish is flat now. Thank you for your response!

 

[Barry]

Read previous posts about Vetrglas

Have had it two years on my '83 h34 hull. Just put it on the top sides this year and it looks great.Barrys/v "PER DIEM too"

 

[Dick Leis]

More on "vetrglas"

Have searched all of this site for any mention of vetrglas, but found nothing. Maybe it was covered too long ago. Please refresh us on the product.

 

[Dave Condon]

Refurbish

It sounds like the person who owned the boat before did not properly take care of the gel finish. Before adding other products, you might want to compound your boat first which most of the time will bring the luster back. 3-M makes a good product called Fines-it which is what I use on my boats. I had the same problem with a Hunter 22 and it did the job. First wash the area and then compound. Make sure to use a low speed buffer as a high speed will burn the surface. Tweety Birds don't like the burned surfaces to lay their droppings on. Then wash the area and wax.

 

[Bob E.]

Three types of gel coat

Anyone interested in refinishing gel coat may find the following article interesting:http://marinesurvey.com/yacht/ScressCracking_1.htm Although the article is about stress cracking, it has some interesing information about gel coat finishes.

 

[Edward J. Isenberg]

dull finish

 

[Al Beattie]

A book

There is a book "Boat Cosmetics Made Simple" by Sheri Board that you might want to check out. I learned an aweful lot reading it.Al Beattie