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Restoring gel coat is relatively straightforward, but can be a long process. Basically, you want to take the chalkiness out, which is done by removing a very small layer of gel coat. The same process is used for removing scratches, swirl marks, or sanding down and polishing a new coat of gel coat. For a new boat, wax is all it takes to remove minimal oxidation. For a slightly older boat, it might be a hand polishing, followed by wax. Older still, a mechanical polishing, followed by wax, and so-on and so-forth. For the very worst level of oxidation/deep scratches/new gel coat, the process would be:
1) Sand the hull using sand paper, from perhaps 400, grit to 600, 800, 1,000, 1,200 and 1,500 grit.
2) Use a "Rubbing/Buffing compound" and a variable low speed buffer & wool pad at 1,500 - 2,500 rpm
3) Use a "Polishing compound" and a variable low speed buffer & wool pad at 1,500 - 2,500 rpm
4) Seal and/or wax the hull
Common products:
3M Rubbing Compound/Imperial Compound & Finishing Material
3M Finesse-it II glaze (polish)
Collinite 920 (hand polish)
Starbrite Premium Marine Polish w/PTEF (sealant) - doesn't remove chalkiness, but protects from future oxidation. Apply before waxing.
Collinite 885 (wax)
Moderate Oxidation will need steps 3 & 4, Heavy needs 2-4, and Severe may need step 1. However, if you're applying new gel, are you all that concerned about the old oxidation? Also note that 5 coats sounds like a lot. I'd recommend 1 or 2. Gel coat adds a lot of weight!
Anyways, that should be enough to get you started. Googling it will get you much more information!
_________________ Mike  '79 H18 standard ' Rocketman II' sail #14921 RIP '78 H18 ( unnamed) sail #14921'08 H16 sail #114312'97 H21SC sail #238
Last edited by SabresfortheCup on Mon Jun 22, 2015 7:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
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