Restoring The Luster

[John Tucker]

Aloha,My wife and I recently purchased a 1978 Mac 25.Could anyone tell us the best way to restore the luster to our new baby.She is in good shape overall with no cracks or dents just a dull finish.We would also welcome any advise on how to remove old anti-fouling paint and how one would apply a new coat.We are brand new sailors and any advice on proper maintaince would be most welcome.Mahalo,John&Petra

 

[lnranch]

Gel coat

We used 3m rubbing compound with a marine grade buffing pad on a drill and followed up with turtle wax on our O"day 28. You will need to be careful and not polish through the gel coat. It will be alot of work but the results are worth it. Try and wax every six month to protect the finish.Good luck

 

[Steve Dion]

Try Island Girl

John:Island Girl products (from HI) is just the ticket for what you want to do. These product not only let the fiberglass look good when you do it but actually restores it. Test products do not need a buffer that may damage your gel coat either. You can order the products from the HOW site too.

 

[Bob Horvath]

The 3-Step Process

John,It's a lot of work, but all steps are critical. You and your boat will be happy when she's all shiny again.1. Compound - to remove the oxide2. Polish - to restore the luster - to condition the fiberglass - to seal the fiberglass3. Pure Wax - to protect the fiberglassGood Luck, bob