Gel Coat

[8509kmv]

I recently purvhased a 1985 sunsport skier. The gelcoat is slightly faded I want to know the best product to bring back the shine and original color of the boat.

[DKJBama92Mariah]

I'd start with a random orbital buffer and some 3M marine polishing compound. If that doesnt take it off, the move up to 3M rubbing compound. Beyond that, you CAN go to wet sanding with fine-grit paper, but it can be risky. Regardless, always follow up each type of compound with the next finer grade to take out the scratches from the previous compound/sanding.

i.e., Wet Sanding --> Rubbing compound --> Polishing Compound --> Wax

ALWAYS follow any polishing with a good coat (preferably two or three coats) of marine wax. Also, once you do ANY polishing on the boat, you must be religious about keeping a coat of wax on the boat. Before i got mine painted, i waxed at least three times a season. Begiinning - middle- and end. If you let the wax wear all the way off, the gelcoat will quickly reoxidize and you have to start all over.

Cheers,
DKJ