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Off topic Can anyone recommend a strong rubbing compound or polish that will restore some lustre to my 1983 boats finish

D

discobayken

Regular Contributor
"My old fishing boat has a off

"My old fishing boat has a off white gelcoat that hasnt seen wax in about 20 years I'm guessing. Its not so bad that it gets that white power on you when you touch it...but its pretty dull. Has anyone tried these new "wet look" liquid wax products that are expensive as hell but are supposed to work like magic? "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is..." so I'm not holding out much hope. Has anyone had any luck bringing back a finish on an old boat? Thanks! Ken"
 
"Ken,

You can bring that bo

"Ken,

You can bring that boat back to near showroom finish with some elbow grease and not much money. First, pick up a nice, variable speed polisher. I myself prefer the Makita product:

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9227CX3-Electronic-Sander-Polisher-Polishing/dp/B00 01GUE8Q

Next, thoroughly wash the boat with a solution of water and Dawn dishsoap. Rinse, then rub the gelcoat with a solution of 30% ammonia / 70% water (this cuts any old wax).

Head down to your local boatyard (or West Marine) and pick up some 3M Super Duty Rubbing compund.

http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/auto_marine_aero/marine/node_NSR6H9FXP8 gs/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_GS4JK4Y166ge/bgel_DQJ47650MRbl/gvel_9NQK7NZ8TZgl/them e_us_marine_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html

Put the compund on and take it off with the polisher. This compund will remove ALL of the old oxidation. Once complete, rinse the hull with water and dry.

Next pick up some 3M Finesse-It.

http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/auto_marine_aero/marine/node_GSDFK9DX44 gs/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_GS4JK4Y166ge/bgel_B8B8T1WFT5bl/gvel_9NQK7NZ8TZgl/them e_us_marine_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html

Apply with polisher. Rinse when complete.

Now, here is the key that EVERYONE misses! Most people think wax is the product that makes a boat shine, NOT TRUE! Polish makes a boat shine and wax PROTECTS the polish. Pick up a bottle of Meguiar's polish:

http://www.meguiars.com/estore/product_list.cfm?sectionname=Boat/RV%20Care>Boat%20Polishes&sectionID=54101

Don't worry, by now the coats are going to be going on as smooth as silk. I suggest two coats. Rinse with water and dry.

Now it is time to apply a coat, or two of wax. You can use whatever brand you are loyal to.

I just restored a boat this April using this method. The owner received a quote for $5,300 to have the boat sprayed with AwlGrip. For a fraction of the costs and less labor, he has similar results. Good luck."
 
"Mike:

Thanks for the great

"Mike:

Thanks for the great info.... but it sure seems like A LOT OF WORK for an old fishing boat. I have a newer open bow runabout that I will probably try this technique on.

I just took a second look at the fishing boat...(while thinking about all that buffing) and I've decided I kind of like that low gloss "stealth" look she has. haha! Maybe I should be thinking about how to install a keg-o-rator instead... Practical, functional and beautiful all at the same time.
biggrin.gif

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Nostalgia-Electrics-Keg-O-Rator-Single-Tap-Beer-R efrigerator-KRS2100/sem/rpsm/oid/190572/catOid/-15041/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do"
 
"Mike: I notice you didnt rec

"Mike: I notice you didnt recommend wet sanding. I've been told by a detail shop to wet sand with #1500 prior to using the buffer. Your thoughts on that? also, the link you sent for the meguires polish product didnt work out. Can you tell me the exact name of the polish you recommend? (they have so many to chose from). Also, what kind of wax do you like to use on gelcoat? Thanks! Ken"
 
"UPDATE: I used this technique

"UPDATE: I used this technique on my 1989 DONZI 21' and it worked really well. She was looking sad. her off white was chalky and her red gelcoat stripe was faded to light pink.

I did end up wet sanding with #1500 first. Then acetone to remove the old wax... I ended up using Maguires "Diamond Cut" #85, followed by #82 polish, followed by a swirl remover and finally two coats of wax. I removed all the old decals and replaced them with new.

Its been one hell of a chore but she looks incredible. For a 20 year old boat...she can still turn some heads. Thanks for the tips.

Ken"
 
"I have a 1983 18' open bo

"I have a 1983 18' open bow. I used Poli Glow Gel coat restorer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Poli-Glow-Fiberglass-Gelcoat-Restoration-Kit_W0QQitemZ290246 629834QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item290246629834

Took about an hour or two and stands up to salt water. After buffing and polishing and waxing one trip to the ocean and all that work was gone. I applied the Poli Glow 3 years ago and it still looks great. Up close you can see some brush marks but for a 25 year old boat, I am very happy with the result. If I can find the before and after pics I will post them."
 
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