Hi all! Just joined the forum looking for some advice...
I have a 1988 Wellcraft (hence my username! so clever), with a red hull over white. As you can see from the photos, the red has loads of oxidation. The past several days, I`ve been spending TONS of time and effort (and $$) trying to even this out and restore the color and gloss. I`ve been focusing on the port side only, hoping I`ll perfect my technique for the startboard side and cut my work time down accordingly.
Here`s what I`ve tried...
- Wetsanding with 600, then 1200.
- Then, compound using 3M Super Duty Compound
- Then, polish using GelCoat Labs fine cut polish (from properboatcare.com)
Doing this all with a 1750 RPM, 11amp rotary buffer (Milwaukee 5460-6). Also using Wool compounding pad for the compound, and a softer wool pad for the polish. I have foam pads, but I haven`t tried those yet (difference?).
Here`s what I`ve accomplished... There`s certainly a big improvement, but my current state is very uneven. There`s areas of nice color, mixed with areas of splotchy oxidation. It doesn`t look right. I`m terrified to wet sand too much and wear out the gel coat... is this a real risk? Should I wet sand differently? Different grits of sandpaper? So many variables!
I`ve included some pictures. First, the shots of where she stands now, after what I`ve done above.
And here`s a couple shots of the starboard side, so you see what I`m up against...
I`d really appreciate any advice, thanks for looking!
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