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Old 03-07-2010, 07:00 PM   #1
jetro
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Oxidation on my gelcoat

Wondering if anyone has an expert opinion on the removal and buffing of fiberglass boats. What's the best buffing compound etc.?
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Old 03-07-2010, 07:05 PM   #2
ROCKHIND
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

You should only use the lightest compound out there first, and re apply if needed. Also, use a marine compound, the automotive ones are pretty harsh on gelcoats, so I've heard. How bad is it, and what color is your hull?

Edit: If the oxidation is really light just wax the hull, wax also has a slight bit of "grit" as well.
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Old 03-07-2010, 07:17 PM   #3
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

The boat is solid white and the affected areas are mainly just around the gunnels. Thanks in advance.
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Old 03-07-2010, 07:34 PM   #4
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

http://www.aqua-buff.com/site/478459/product/AB2000

this is great stuff I have used works great, use with a high speed buffer
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Old 03-07-2010, 08:06 PM   #5
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

Quote:
Originally Posted by AristaKat View Post
http://www.aqua-buff.com/site/478459/product/AB2000

this is great stuff I have used works great, use with a high speed buffer
Are you sure you want to use a high speed buffer? I always thought that would burn the gelcoat.
Maybe you meant a variable speed buffer?
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Old 03-07-2010, 08:54 PM   #6
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

Quote:
Originally Posted by AristaKat View Post
http://www.aqua-buff.com/site/478459/product/AB2000

this is great stuff I have used works great, use with a high speed buffer
ordered, thanks
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Old 03-07-2010, 09:07 PM   #7
stevemc1
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

I used to detail boats, and used a high speed buffer to wax, I used a random orbital too, but mainly used a high speed. Yes, you can burn a stripe off with a high speed buffer, and if you really try you can burn into fiberglass, but not if you dont try. A random orbital will work OK. compound, rinse, then use a good wax. Carnubra wax does not have grit in it, cleaner wax has some fine grit. But if you use wax, yes, you can clean off oxidation. But not as well if you use compound first.
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Old 03-07-2010, 09:14 PM   #8
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

Quote:
Originally Posted by AristaKat View Post
http://www.aqua-buff.com/site/478459/product/AB2000

this is great stuff I have used works great, use with a high speed buffer
Aquabuff is great. It is a paste cutting compound. Like any compound, it leaves swirls and a polish is in order after you use it.

Aqua-buff, then wash, then 3M Finesse-it fine polish and then wax.
All three products applied with a high speed buffer, foam and wool pads. Makita polisher/sander. 3000rpm.

Orbital will not cut enough.It's good for touching the wax up. Gotta cut a layer of the gelcoat off if its chalky...

Last edited by Bulit7; 03-07-2010 at 09:22 PM.
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Old 03-07-2010, 09:20 PM   #9
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

Quote:
Originally Posted by WESTBURY View Post
Are you sure you want to use a high speed buffer? I always thought that would burn the gelcoat.
Maybe you meant a variable speed buffer?
It is a variable speed buffer, but most of the time you got it at 3000rpm and use the trigger to control speed, more effective since you have 100% at the flick of your finger.


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Last edited by Bulit7; 03-07-2010 at 09:31 PM.
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Old 03-07-2010, 10:22 PM   #10
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

Is it that brown crud we get or is it ashy?
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Old 03-07-2010, 10:29 PM   #11
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

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Is it that brown crud we get or is it ashy?
Looks like flat white paint on my gunnels.
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Old 03-07-2010, 10:33 PM   #12
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

Any non skid on the gunnels?
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Old 03-07-2010, 10:35 PM   #13
jetro
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

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Any non skid on the gunnels?
Yeah, a couple of feet on either side where you step on the boat.
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Old 03-07-2010, 10:59 PM   #14
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

Chris has got some good stuff at Crown Leisure Marine in D,Iberville.The Aqua Buff is good stuff too.Both will cake up in your non skid.Make sure the buffer is slingin the excess away from your non skid.If you need a good buffer you can borrow mine.
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Old 03-08-2010, 09:54 AM   #15
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Re: Oxidation on my gelcoat

I used 3M Finesse-It on my Sea Ray with great results. I picked it up at Orielly's Auto paint department.
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