gel coat restoration |
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glenn2588
Newbie Joined: July-06-2010 Location: monroe nc Status: Offline Points: 7 |
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Posted: July-20-2010 at 1:22am |
Ive been trying to look for thread on how to restore the gel coat. i saw a couple of threads but it doesnt explain much on what the steps are and and what products to use. the hull is in good shape and only have one area that is cracked about 3 inches in diameter. i like the original color and would like to keep it that way and if i can bring the color and shine back then i wouldnt have to paint/gel coat.
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Keeganino
Grand Poobah Joined: October-27-2009 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 2063 |
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The bottom line is that gelcoat work is difficult, time consuming and expensive. Matching colors is an art in its own right. Post pictures of the damage so we can give better advice. Here is a web page that goes into some detail about it. Bill's Site
If you can live with the cracks I would suggest reinforcing the area from the inside of the boat to keep them from spreading. You also need to determine the source of the cracks. Was it from a single impact or stress to the hull due to structural failure? |
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"working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger
1973 Skier |
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Keeganino
Grand Poobah Joined: October-27-2009 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 2063 |
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Also the shine will come back with a few afternoons of wetsanding and buffing. What year and model are you talking about?
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"working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger
1973 Skier |
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glenn2588
Newbie Joined: July-06-2010 Location: monroe nc Status: Offline Points: 7 |
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the crack is really very small and not noticeable and it doesnt seem to go in deep so i could probably get away it.
what do i need to do in terms of sanding and buffing? and what should i use? |
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Keeganino
Grand Poobah Joined: October-27-2009 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 2063 |
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Depends on the Shape of the hull. I had some deep scratches and my boat is 37 years old so I started with 220 grit to get out the bad scratches in some spots then 500 then 1000. I used Maguires medium cut buffing compound with a rotary buffing pad to shine it up and their yellow 26 wax to make it really shine. Use the search feature one here to search for wetsanding. I think it was Hawktique that just did a great step by step on the process.
Welcome to the site. Set up a Diary and lets see some pics of your boat. |
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"working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger
1973 Skier |
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glenn2588
Newbie Joined: July-06-2010 Location: monroe nc Status: Offline Points: 7 |
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thanks keegan ill look into that so i can start working on my boat. ill post some pictures pretty soon.i see that your from NC, are you anywhere near the piedmont area?
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Keeganino
Grand Poobah Joined: October-27-2009 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 2063 |
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I am in Greensboro and ususally go to Belews Creek, but may start hitting Oak Hollow Lake as my wife works near there and there seems to be very little traffic. Where do you go?
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"working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger
1973 Skier |
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MartyMabe
Grand Poobah Joined: February-21-2006 Location: High Point,NC Status: Offline Points: 3980 |
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Keegan, What kind of vacation are you on!?? Looking at this site and posting!?
I called Larry Hineline and told him to give ya a call. He lives in Cape Cod! |
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Keeganino
Grand Poobah Joined: October-27-2009 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 2063 |
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I am at my In-laws in South Chatham on the Cape. Going parasailing for the first time in the morning! The rest of the day is pretty open as far as I know. I'll text you my wifes number to give to Larry cause I forgot my charger and am only turning my phone on when I have to. Thanks Marty! The water yesterday was glass and I kept going on about riding it.
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"working on these old boats may not be cost effective but as it shows its what it brings into your life that matters" -Roger
1973 Skier |
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