Gel coat finish

[Matt89GT]

I have been buffing my boat and so far I have done maybe 2' x 2' section and it has takin about an hour, I'm thinking its not happenig, so on to my question has anyone re finished their boats. I have looked up on how to do it on google and what I see so far is using a solvent to remove any silicon or other chemicals then sand a lil bit, prime it for imperfections, and then roll the gel coat finish with a roller and then finish it with a foam paint brush. Has anyone attempted to do this at home?

 

[Mustangous]

I have been buffing my boat and so far I have done maybe 2' x 2' section and it has takin about an hour, I'm thinking its not happenig, so on to my question has anyone re finished their boats. I have looked up on how to do it on google and what I see so far is using a solvent to remove any silicon or other chemicals then sand a lil bit, prime it for imperfections, and then roll the gel coat finish with a roller and then finish it with a foam paint brush. Has anyone attempted to do this at home?

Just trying to get the basic questions first...
Have you ever used a buffer?
What kind of buffer do you have, Rotory, orbital, or dual action?
What are the products you are using?
May want to seach youtube for some videos. Depending on the boat I can have the whole hull of the boat compounded/waxed.

 

[Matt89GT]

Indeed I have used a buffer before and I'm using a high speed buffer adjustable from 200 rpm to 3377rpm's and using a fine cut rubbing compound from 3M and a wool pad, Is what I need and what I can't find is some heavy duty rubbing compound other than that damn darm red stuff from turtle wax, however I'm going to a detail shop to see what I can round up.

 

[avguy]

What does the 2x2 area you worked on look like now?

 

[Matt89GT]

It looks okay, much better than before however not like fresh gel coat.

 

[avguy]

If it were me I would try to find a product that will give you a little more bite than the fine cut polish you are using. If the 2x2 area looks ok then maybe you just need something that will get you there a little quicker. Anyone carry the meguires or 3M marine line in your area?
Applying gel coat at home is not for mortal man...at least not for me. I had an '89 fish & ski boat that I re-sprayed with gel coat after sanding down the entire hull. Never again. Scott

 

[Lazy Daze]

I agree. If it is pretty oxidized, I'd try starting with the 3M Super Duty Rubbing compound (#09004) or Meguiar's Oxidation Remover (#49). It'll go much faster.

 

[Matt89GT]

I have one complete side finished and it looks F'ing good but it's too much work using the material I have, heavy duty rubbing compound from turtle wax and some 3M fine cut I have to chase the red clay with the fine cut 3M and it's alot of work. We do have a auto paint works in Marietta and I'm gonna invest in some 3M compound that Dennis suggested and finish it. From the rubrail down looks very nice but from the rubrail up it's gonna require a little more titious work. I took pics however as where my boat is all white you can't tell in the pics , it just looks really clean. Our Marietta Sternwheeler festival starts Friday and I wanna have the old boat shining for Saturday, I'm running late but I will post pics later on this evening.

 

[avguy]

Stay with it.......with the right product & application she'll look like new!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Just a little tip for above the rubrail - remove any snaps you may have. It'll make buffing much easier up there.

Then either clean them or replace. They get all caked up with old wax and dirt - one of the reasons you get black streaks.