View Full Version : Faded gel coat
butchdave
07-21-2003, 06:32 PM
I will soon have the task of trying to do something with a faded gel coat on glass fibre. Actually I have two to do, but the one below is the most obvious. I will be doing it by hand, but the question is, will a chemical type cleaner - AIO or similar work, will I need to go the abrasive route or does nothing really work on gel coat?
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/10069front-med.jpg
DETAILKING
07-21-2003, 07:38 PM
Gel coat is tougher than clearcoat and oxidizes easier too. You need an aggressive product in combination with a rotary buffer and a wool pad. If you are not experienced with a rotary buffer, ask someone for help!! I don`t think hand polishing will do you much good...........
butchdave
07-22-2003, 03:29 AM
Originally posted by DETAILKING
I don`t think hand polishing will do you much good...........
Yes - I had a quick polish a few months ago, didn`t even touch the oxidisation (it was a mild polish). OK I will go more aggressive - but carefully! :)
imported_CBX Carl
07-22-2003, 06:20 AM
My old 84 F150 pickup cap had the same faded finish. I used "boat" products to restore and maintain. I remember a three step process cleaner, polish, sealant. Initially I tried it by hand and it worked but when complete it was not a consistent finish/shine. I then used a wool bonnet on a drll with the cleaner and that did it. Boy did it shine like new again.
I see Meguiars has a marine product line now but at the time I used Starbrite products and the results were great. Here is a link to a Marine store with product info for you.
Fiberglass Marine Product Info (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&categoryId=164&langId=-1&subdeptNum=11201&storeNum=4)
Don`t forget pictures ,before and after or even a half and half.
endus
07-22-2003, 08:01 AM
Yea I don`t know much from the car side of things but for boats you usually use some pretty agressive techniques on gelcoat...
Decca
07-22-2003, 12:30 PM
That would make the most perfect before and after pics :cool:
butchdave
07-22-2003, 01:37 PM
OK, thanks for advice, its going to be a long project as it needs a new chassis. I will buy some new wool mops and play with the drill. This one will be an every day driver so if I mess up the finish it won`t matter too much. It will also give me chance to play with some different products.
Once its done I will be starting on the second one and this will be rebuilt with a lot more care.
Before and after photos will be a sure thing for this :up
imported_CBX Carl
07-22-2003, 02:54 PM
I only used a drill as this was pre-Autopia, dedicated PC owner/user now.
brianak
07-22-2003, 03:16 PM
Check out www.properboatcare.com
Yeah, products made for boats/fiberglass from boating stores tend to be much more aggressive than their automotive equivalents. I had the chance to use some marine Oxidation Remover once (I forget the brand) and you could actually feel the grit in it like particles of sand! :eek: It must`ve been the equivalent of a heavy cut compound in auto terms!
coolie1
07-22-2003, 06:29 PM
use aquabuff get it at a marina must do it with a high speed
chris0626
07-22-2003, 10:31 PM
butchdave, that looks like some kinda wonderful vehicle! What is it???
butchdave
07-23-2003, 03:16 PM
Originally posted by Lynn
butchdave, that looks like some kinda wonderful vehicle! What is it???
Hi Lynn,
Its a kit - a Lomax 223 - based on the Citroen 2CV. I have to admit its not my favourite 2CV kit, but its cheap and available and will keep me going until I have chance to get my hands on a Pembleton.
Heres a fuller photo of what the Lomax should look like
http://web.onetel.net.uk/~pestridge/images/lomax03.jpg
and this is the Pembleton
http://acadiane.free.fr/navbar/pemb.jpg