The gelcoat of my 27 is dull and chalky, and I have tried several products with the attempt of rejuvenating hull luster. So far, all results are VERY temporary. I thought of using auto compound followed by a good wax/finish, but have resisted so far as I don't like the idea of abraiding the gelcoat unless I have to. Painting at this point is out of the question. What's your best guess at a product that will bring back that 22 year old shine, and the method of application? I've tried Maguires, no-name substitutes, Turtle wax, etc., but am not satisfied with the results. Somewhere out there there's a glossy 1978 Cherubini! Neil Smith Ciao Bella
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She wants to be your Island Girl
Neil: Give the Island Girl a try. They have the cleaner. You use synthetic steel wool (very fine grade) and a few drops of the cleaner. Rub this around on an area and it does bring back the luster. I did it on my '85 H'31 and it has helped. When you like the looks of the gel coat you can then use their wax which I think basically seals and feeds the fiberglass. Once you get the boat looking nice you can use any other wax products that you would have used 20 years ago to keep it up. I see the big advantage of this is that you do not need to worry about stripping it when it flakes or yellows. That is what happens with the acrylics. Several of the owners swear by these acrylic finishes. If you don't like your Island Girl you can alway go to something else. But at least it will clean up the existing mess, even if it does not give you the look that you are looking for. With the Island Girl products there is nothing to remove if you want to use other products in the future.
Neil: Give the Island Girl a try. They have the cleaner. You use synthetic steel wool (very fine grade) and a few drops of the cleaner. Rub this around on an area and it does bring back the luster. I did it on my '85 H'31 and it has helped. When you like the looks of the gel coat you can then use their wax which I think basically seals and feeds the fiberglass. Once you get the boat looking nice you can use any other wax products that you would have used 20 years ago to keep it up. I see the big advantage of this is that you do not need to worry about stripping it when it flakes or yellows. That is what happens with the acrylics. Several of the owners swear by these acrylic finishes. If you don't like your Island Girl you can alway go to something else. But at least it will clean up the existing mess, even if it does not give you the look that you are looking for. With the Island Girl products there is nothing to remove if you want to use other products in the future.
Tons of information on this.
Hi Neil, There has just been a thread of letters on this subject in a different forum, with many letters written. I believe it was in Sailor to Sailor. Check it out. I personally just tried PolyGlow and now have a 20 year old H33 looking showroom new. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
Hi Neil, There has just been a thread of letters on this subject in a different forum, with many letters written. I believe it was in Sailor to Sailor. Check it out. I personally just tried PolyGlow and now have a 20 year old H33 looking showroom new. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
Search current forums
the link for the search feature is on the home page. I'm sure you'll find it. and plenty of it, too.
the link for the search feature is on the home page. I'm sure you'll find it. and plenty of it, too.
Last resort
Neil, if the other suggestions don't work. there are two types of compounds, the one i'd use is the one they use on cars with lots of decals, this is a mild much less abrasive compound that doesn't hurt a decal that's only .001" thock, and once you've completed it go over with a silicon based liquid called GLASS COTE, sold at west and us boat, this glass cote lasts about 6mo's to a year, it's great on cars and boats.
Neil, if the other suggestions don't work. there are two types of compounds, the one i'd use is the one they use on cars with lots of decals, this is a mild much less abrasive compound that doesn't hurt a decal that's only .001" thock, and once you've completed it go over with a silicon based liquid called GLASS COTE, sold at west and us boat, this glass cote lasts about 6mo's to a year, it's great on cars and boats.
Vertglas
Go to Boat US and get Vertglas. It will make your hull look like a million bucks. I had a faded 31, but now she looks new. Buy the kit and follow the directions. Recommended by Practical Sailor.
Go to Boat US and get Vertglas. It will make your hull look like a million bucks. I had a faded 31, but now she looks new. Buy the kit and follow the directions. Recommended by Practical Sailor.
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