Buffing Gelcoat?

[VooDooLounge]

The gelcoat on my 2000 XP could use some work and from my research it sounds like 3M rubbing compound is a good place to start. Anyone have any other suggestions? The gelcoat now has a sligh film or oxidation to it and the hull has a few light scuffs that I am hoping will buff out. Once I buff it with the 3M compound should I use a regular wax or polish on top of that or does it need to be a 'marine quality?'

Thanks!

 

[scooper77515]

Sure, and Sure!

I just did this on my boat. It shines like a bald man's forehead :reddevil:

Don't stay in any one area too long with either compound if buffing with a buffer. You don't want to take anything but the oxidation off, and it is taking a little of your gelcoat with it.

The previous owner swore by using a marine wax with Teflon in it. I never used it, but I don't see how it could hurt.

 

[VooDooLounge]

Did you use the 3M rubbing compound?

 

[roneagan@cfl.rr.com]

The best rubbing compund to use is what is sold for prof. use.. Go the an auto paint store and ask for the compond used to rub out clear coat.. The new componds have a lot less oil, and are not as harsh.. They do a much better job, and don't leave a film . You can get a buffer at harbor freight for about $30.00.. Be carfull you can rub through the color if you stay in place to long or catch an edge..

 

[scooper77515]

The stuff I got was borrowed from my neighbor, who is a professional, so it was not 3M. The bottle was small and labeled kind of professionally, ie. no big name and no bright fancy colors and jazzy text.

He stressed to me, as did Ron in previous post, don't stay in any one place for any significant period of time. Keep moving and keep it going in a nice easy pattern so you don't get through the color.

 

[VooDooLounge]

okay awesome info guys! Sounds like some rubbing compound and to keep the buffer moving...I can handle that. After the compound do I go straight into a marine based wax/polish or anything I feel comfortable with.

Also, with all the decals still in pretty good shape, I'm thinking of masking them with painters tape to prevent the buffing wheel from nicking them up or getting that dreaded white haze over everything! Any thoughts?

 

[roneagan@cfl.rr.com]

Just be carefull around the decales.. I would tape the rub rails with masking tap, it will prevent any marking from the buffer wheel....

 

[1fastGTX]

I just did this on my GTX and it came out like new I used the 3M compound and then I applied a light coat of mequires NXT 2.0 car wax and the ski looks like new.