Clearcoating Old Boat

[Glastron1987]

I have a 1986 Glastron CVX17 that has a metalflake finish. It looks good when wet, but dull when dry. I've tried sanding and compounding, with little luck in bringing the gloss back.

Has anyone had any luck applying a clearcoat in this type of situation? I mean something that will last reliably without chipping, pealing, or yellowing?

There are two products I am considering, a clear polyurethane like Varathane exterior oil based clear gloss polyurethane, or Diamond Finish.

[David - WI]

I had my black metal flake Checkmate re-cleared... with Sikkens clear. It turned out great.

[LakeFever]

Once your burned into the flake it’s very hard to make that good as new again. The flake is protected by the clear gel. If the gel has been cut and buffed down too many times and you can feel the rough sharp edges of the flake? It’s pretty much in need of an entire redo flake and all if you want it to last.

If you don’t feel the sharp edges of the flake then you could risk cutting it down first with acetone wiping in one direction only and many many times with fresh white rags. Nothing dirty or paper. White micro fiber is best you have to remove every single bit of wax residue from the gel or it won’t hold paint or new gel at all. Once that’s done you need to key the surface to whatever grit the top coat of choice is going to be suggests in the tds for that product. Automotive clear works, kinda, but it won’t last that long over keyed gel. Maybe some clear coats are better here than others but the ones I’ve looked to buy that had this done were all failing/peeling within a couple years. Clear gel is the best bet for a highly durable factory quality finish but you need to key the factory gel to 80grit which might be impossible without ruining the flake. Spraying gel, especially clear gel is no easy task. Cutting and buffing it back to gloss finish is even more daunting.

Doable, but plenty of work to do right

[LakeFever]

Sikkens is top tier product