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FIBERGLASS & GELCOAT-REPAIR
GEL COAT RECONDITIONING Gel coat is the most durable part of the boat, unlike paint. Gel-coat is basically a relatively thick layer of resin with colorant added. It's the final layer, coating the fiberglass weaving which makes up the structure of the boat. The gel coat is very porous, very absorbent and will oxidize no matter what. To restore sheen start with small sections, preferably 2ft x 2ft'. Using a high speed buffer, a wool buffing pad, and a good restorer/polish, buff the gel coat to it original luster. And it will buff up to the original luster. That's the one good thing about gel coats. While buffing, do not allow the product to dry since the gel coat is very prone to swirls and is also very absorbent. Buff off product while it's just about hazed with CLEAN, 100% terry cloth towels. I opt for terry cloths since microfiber rags will clog from the thick polish, removed oxidized gel coat and are very expensive. Avoid buffing near the canvas snaps since one hit with the buffer, will not only clog the snaps with compound, you will also create black streaks and embed them into the gel coat. These are not fun to remove. After the entire gel coat is buffed, rinse the boat to remove all dust, and trust me, you will have major dust when detailing boats. |








