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  1. #1
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    Gel coat advice needed.

    What is the best product and way to bring life back to badly faded gel. The boat was previously sprayed with automotive clear which was poorly applied and a chore to get off but I managed to finally. I've wet sanded and tried buffing but it still doesn't want to shine. I've got a buddy with a body shop that wants to hit it with clear again but I want something that will last a little longer. I was thinking clear gel but I'm not set in that, I just have zero experience in refinishing and need guidance.Click image for larger version. 

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    92 Mirage Ski Racer
    86 Laser LTV Bass
    82 Hydrostream Vandal Comp
    ^(project that needs a new home)

  2. #2
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    This is after a rain. I just wish I could make it stay looking like thatClick image for larger version. 

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    92 Mirage Ski Racer
    86 Laser LTV Bass
    82 Hydrostream Vandal Comp
    ^(project that needs a new home)

  3. #3
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    Have you tried the black wax, I just helped a neighbor get some swirl marks and fine scratches of his black car with it, seemed to work really well. Turtle wax makes a kit that's only like $20 , might be worth a shot

  4. #4
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    I remember the black wax. Dad had a black Trans Am that we used it on but no I haven't thought of that. I may try running it up to 1500 wet sanding then that. The color comes out good but the black just shows everything.
    92 Mirage Ski Racer
    86 Laser LTV Bass
    82 Hydrostream Vandal Comp
    ^(project that needs a new home)

  5. #5
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    You’re not gonna get it to shine if you haven’t gone up to 1500 yet.
    I usually start at 1000 then go 1500, 3000, compound and finish with a good sealer / wax.
    Its gonna look mint when it’s done!!

  6. Thanks KIRCHNER thanked for this post
  7. #6
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    Good to know. I'll get some more paper tomorrow and try that. Thanks for help ya'll
    92 Mirage Ski Racer
    86 Laser LTV Bass
    82 Hydrostream Vandal Comp
    ^(project that needs a new home)

  8. #7
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  9. #8
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  11. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by dtmeeks View Post
    Good to know. I'll get some more paper tomorrow and try that. Thanks for help ya'll
    You get what you pay for when it comes to abrasives.....and equipment.
    My personal choice is 3M, Norton or BASF for abrasives.
    A 6” & a 3” DA will make the job a lot easier, quicker and more consistent.....definitely worth the investment if you’re gonna do another project like this....
    jmo.

  12. #10
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    http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=1050248

    I just did the same thing to my shadow. Turned out great. You gotta go through 2000 grit. Look at this thread. It's all in here. The worst is behind you
    1990 Shadow bass boat w/ 2.4 200 Merc. Totally resto'd boat and love it!

  13. #11
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    Thanks. Gonna get a new DA and some finer paper tomorrow. Did some experimenting with a foam pad instead of wool it looks promising.Click image for larger version. 

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    2 layers of wax helped even more.
    92 Mirage Ski Racer
    86 Laser LTV Bass
    82 Hydrostream Vandal Comp
    ^(project that needs a new home)

  14. #12
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    After sanding 3M black foam pad & use 3M fiberglass restore white bottle greenish label on it need to run the buffer at about 2,000 rpm you can polish to a mirror finish then wax to protect I do this all the time makes it easy & quick(careful on the edges)

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  16. #13
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    Click image for larger version. 

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    In the middle of doing one with a similar color scheme.Someone clear coated this one too.Got the clear off and wet sanded with 1000 and then 2000 grit.Got to get to the buffing now.
    If I knew it was going to last this long I would have taken better care of it.

    Chris

  17. #14
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    Talking

    Quote Originally Posted by dtmeeks View Post
    What is the best product and way to bring life back to badly faded gel. The boat was previously sprayed with automotive clear which was poorly applied and a chore to get off but I managed to finally. I've wet sanded and tried buffing but it still doesn't want to shine. I've got a buddy with a body shop that wants to hit it with clear again but I want something that will last a little longer. I was thinking clear gel but I'm not set in that, I just have zero experience in refinishing and need guidance.Click image for larger version. 

Name:	20200426_104244.jpg 
Views:	426 
Size:	438.5 KB 
ID:	464165
    Your buddy with the body shop is correct. once the gel has lost its luster and been baked in the sun the only thing to bring it back is clear, weather its gel or urethane, except gel has no UV resistance unlike automotive clear. If the boat were thoroughly sanded to a #400 profile then applied a high quality, high solids (2:1 or 1:1) this would be easier and result in a nicer finish. It may not be quite as hard as gel but a scratch is a scratch and easier to fix with automotive clear. If you are interested SPI (southern polyurethanes Inc.) makes one of the finest clears I have ever used, when you call the tech line you actually will talk to Barry or his son who make the products. You can buy direct from them they are in GA.

  18. #15
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    listen to TOMANYTOYS sand,sand,sand 2500,3000, no clear. i did a 1958 whaler,was just about white, now its smurf gloss blue. its not easy to find a slow speed buffer. the pros tell me 1200 rpm. im doing a 38 yr old windshield.that is fogged over almost done with 3000 paper, now buff,

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