Chalky Gel Coat

[wake454]

Hey guys,

So I have an 05 22v black/red. The previous owner had a covered storage place for the boat, but the back end would stick out in the sun all day. So the black part of the boat above the ski platform has faded to a light chalky color. The local dealer used some compound and a rag to buff out a small part about the size of a fist just to show me it could come off. Now I need to do the rest of the back panel. What kind of compound should I use and do I use an electric buffer? I'm cool with doing mechanical work on the boat, but I've never done anything to the gel coat. Any tips is appreciated.

[ktmrider1]

3M Finesse-It II and a Porter Cable 7424 dual action buffer.

My last boat was dark red but the previous owner had left it exposed to the sun and the gel coat was extremely chalky. I first tried one of those poly products which you apply to the surface which gave it a shine but did not look natural. I then stripped the poly product and spent an entire weekend slowly buffing the entire surface in small sections. The gel coat came out great. My arms and shoulders were killing me but the boat looked great! The gel coat is much thicker than the paint on the car so there is not much danger in burning through.

[TeamAllen]

Totally agree with ktmrider1. A Dual Action Polisher is a must! Like the model he suggested. They are referred to as either a DA (Dual Action) or PC (Porter Cable) polisher. I would not use a Rotary Buffer unless you have experience or have practiced on something else first.

As far as the product, another suggestion would be Meguiar's No. 49 Oxidation Remover.

[wake454]

Dang...the dual action buffers are kinda pricey. I might be able to get the shop to do it for less. Thanks for the info.

[TeamAllen]

$113 @ Amazon Free Shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SUQ8

[laserfish]

Try Harbor Freight. You do get what you pay for, but the el cheapo model worked for me.

[wake454]

Ahh ya....those prices are way lower than what I was finding. I was seeing the Porter Cable going for over $200. I was going to ask, is it not a good idea to use something like this http://www.nextag.com/Titan-22500-10...27/prices-html

Is there a certain motor or rpm to look for etc...?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just really worried about permanently damaging the gel coat. This will be my first project on the body of the boat.

[TeamAllen]

.92 Amps vs. 4 Amps? No comparison. That machine will hardly remove the wax.

laserfish's idea of the harbor freight would probably work. I personally am not a fan, but it can work for limited use.

There are only two products I would use. The Porter Cable as mentioned above and the more expensive Meguiar's version for $150.
http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/produc...sp?T1=MEG+G110

[illiniboarder88]

I have the harbor freight. It works great.

[noworries]

We used to use "TR3" at the boat shop some decades ago. It seemed built for oxidation and made the old dogs in the back lot look new again. A quick search and it seems to be still available. Wadda you know. I may try some myself on the black transom.

[wake454]

I'll probably end up going with the porter cable, but does harbor freight have a "dual action" polisher? I don't see one here on their site below, or am I missing something? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=105

[ktmrider1]

Go with the Porter Cable. You won't be disappointed. I've since used it on my truck and car and it does an awesome job!

[wake454]

Good point, I'm sure I'll use it on other toys. Thanks for the info guys.