Black gelcoat

Try to check out Poli Glow. No need to polish or buff the surface.

Good advice. I'll try it. I'll ask the forum contact why I can't post a picture with my reply

Gary - I agree that you can use a random orbit for sanding, but I was referring to the polishing step... for that, a random orbit doesn't really cut it.   you need one of these:



I have a Dewalt, but I have heard good things about some other brands as well... no need to be a die hard and buy the most expensive one, but you do need adjustable speed either at the trigger or on a rheostat on the unit.   too fast will have compound everywhere, and not fast enough will not get the job done.   I think that is the step you're missing for the beautiful shine you want.   I am not a harbor freight fan, but they might have the cheapest option for you if you only plan to use it once.

Beautiful boat! Nice job!

Dreaming wrote: A random orbit machine is for waxing,

Not totally true see this- Hutchins water bug 3/32" orbit is the smallest on the market and as I understand reduces your grit size also ie 1000 acts like 3000. Right now I use a Harbor Freight wet orbital

I did the back of mine with a DA the first time,worked fine at the time. I have since done it again by hand.

Before-


After with the DA-

I'm using a long throw Rupes random orbital. 5-6k rpm with wool pads, cutting pads after sanding. It's a very high quality professional buffer

Thanks

prski wrote: I'd love to post a pic but for some reason i'm unable to upload from this reply page.

Use the "post reply" and not the quick found at the bottom of every thread.

I think you are correct, I bought sandpaper that is measured in Microns vs Grit which goes up to 10,000 grit equivalent. Followed by Meguairs polish and the test spot looks really good for a 31 year old black gelcoat. I'm enjoying the boat now and will resume work when I pull it at the end of summer.

I'd love to post a pic but for some reason i'm unable to upload from this reply page. Many thanks for the advice. I'm happy to share all of the steps with anyone who wants the complete detail.

Here is TRBenj's process

"Wetsanding: I usually pick up wet/dry sandpaper locally. Napa has a good assortment. Ive used down to 220 grit on certain things, how aggressive you need to be will depend on the finish youre working with. If you pick up 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 grit, that should cover you.

Buffing: I have a Dewalt 849 rotary polisher. Its a beast. I bought it and a 6.5" hook and loop (velcro) backing pad here:

Dewalt at Coastal Tool

Milwaukee Backing Pad

I use Lake Country Pads and 3M buffing supplies. I buy both from Smart Shoppers. Here are the part numbers I buy:

5954: 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound
5973: 3M Perfect-It II Rubbing Compound
5928: 3M Finesse-It II Finishing Material

41-015: LC 7.5" Wool pad, 1" pile height (use with Super Duty)
41-725: LC 7.5" Wool Pad, 1.5" pile height (use with Perfect It)
41-625: LC 7.5" Wool/Acrylic Pad, 1.5" pile height (use with Finesse-It)

I usually do 2 rounds with the Super Duty, 1 round with the Perfect It, and 2 rounds with the Finesse it. Clean off with soap and water and/or acetone. Then I wax with Collinite 925 (same as #845 Insulator Wax) by hand with a microfiber cloth. You can get Collinites on ebay, and Ive found that my local Napa stocks it as well- though theyre prices arent the greatest"

Thank you for the detailed reply and suggestions. I think there is some step I'm missing or not doing well. I'll continue to test until I get the look I want. For some reason the site won't let me upload a picture with my post or I could better show the issue

I'm sure it's not the wax. I've tested spots after sanding with only polish and get the same result. Thank you for responding

I have a 1986 anniversary SN 2001. I followed the advice of many and have wet sanded with 800 to 2000 and used 3M anod marine 31 products to restore the faded black gelcoat. I even tested a spot with 400/800/1000/1500/2000 followed by polish and wax

Recently I used Meguairs 46 polish and marine paste wax. I get the beautiful dark shine as seen in this picture. But it fades in an hour as if absorbed by the gelcoat. Any suggestions?

Thank you