Boat Oxidation Removal

Addicted2Bling

Addicted2Bling

New member
Is there some kind of chemical I can buy to remove oxidation? I just picked up a couple of boats that look like they have been sitting for years and years. The oxidation is really bad. A friend was telling me to wetsand it first. What kind of sandpaper do you guys recommend? I'm thinking 2000 grit, and what about a block? Do I need a block or will my hand be good enough as back up? I need to get this done in 2 steps. Suggestions appreciated
 
I don't know that I would want to wetsand a boat, but maybe thats because Ive never had to. Compound and wool will do wonders on a boat. I would try that first.
 
^^I know wool and compound would work, but I'm stuck on what my buddy told me about wetsanding being "faster and wax ready." Compounding and wool pad I know would work, but if I can find a better way to make it easier then it would be a lifesaver...
 
Addicted2Bling said:
^^I know wool and compound would work, but I'm stuck on what my buddy told me about wetsanding being "faster and wax ready." Compounding and wool pad I know would work, but if I can find a better way to make it easier then it would be a lifesaver...
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How can after wet sanding be LSP ready?
 
Ive wetsanded more oxidized paint than I care to think about, so I can agree that it will remove it. What I would be concerned with is getting those scratches buffed out of gelcoat. I hate to tell you man but I think your friend is leading you down the wrong road. Im afriad it would cause you a lot more trouble than what is nessesary...especially if your trying to get it done quick. If you really want try his method out (maybe he knows something I dont), try a test spot and see. Who knows, maybe he is right.
 
mrclean81 said:
Ive wetsanded more oxidized paint than I care to think about, so I can agree that it will remove it. What I would be concerned with is getting those scratches buffed out of gelcoat. I hate to tell you man but I think your friend is leading you down the wrong road. Im afriad it would cause you a lot more trouble than what is nessesary...especially if your trying to get it done quick. If you really want try his method out (maybe he knows something I dont), try a test spot and see. Who knows, maybe he is right.
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Well I have some good 3M wax with polish in it, one has polish and the other has compound, both are AIOs so whatever kind of scratching I have to deal with will hopefully come out with a buffer.

I'm going to give it a shot and will let you guys know how it worked out, maybe put some pictures in with it or something...
 
Addicted2Bling said:
Well I have some good 3M wax with polish in it, one has polish and the other has compound, both are AIOs so whatever kind of scratching I have to deal with will hopefully come out with a buffer.

I'm going to give it a shot and will let you guys know how it worked out, maybe put some pictures in with it or something...
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Please do...you will need some kind of miracle sand paper to get rid of oxidation and ready for lsp in one step.
 
Gel coat is VERY hard so if you do decide to wet sand it, finish out with the highest grit possible.

Depending on the severity of the oxidation, you might be able to get away with compounding it. I would give Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner a try. Pair it with a wool pad on a high speed rotary polisher and you'll remove the oxidation in no time.

Follow up with Marine 31 Gel Coat Final Step Polish to further refine the surface and to maximize gloss. Protect the finish with Marine 31 Gel Coat Carnauba Wax + Sealant. This will provide durable protection along with a glossy, slick finish.

There are no short cuts with boat detailing. It's going to be a ton of work, but having the right products will make it a heck of a lot easier. :D:D
 
AutopiaTech said:
Gel coat is VERY hard so if you do decide to wet sand it, finish out with the highest grit possible.

Depending on the severity of the oxidation, you might be able to get away with compounding it. I would give Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Oxidation Cleaner a try. Pair it with a wool pad on a high speed rotary polisher and you'll remove the oxidation in no time.

Follow up with Marine 31 Gel Coat Final Step Polish to further refine the surface and to maximize gloss. Protect the finish with Marine 31 Gel Coat Carnauba Wax + Sealant. This will provide durable protection along with a glossy, slick finish.

There are no short cuts with boat detailing. It's going to be a ton of work, but having the right products will make it a heck of a lot easier. :D:D
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Thanks for the info man. I have a wool pad and boat compound on stand by in case my idea doesn't work. But I have to give this a shot because it's something that has been in the back of my mind for a while now...
 
Good stuff...done many old boats
Wetsand is last resort
Rotary and wool with duragloss 561....clean pad every 3 feet of boat
Orbital and orange or white CCS pad and duragloss 501
Wipe on ultima paint guard -2 coats
 
I am not aware of any gel coat chemical that "eats" oxidation, however you, I would second The Stig's recommendation of Marine 31 polishing compounds, or Gel Coat Labs (slight advantage to Marine 31).
 
chances are you wont be able to do it in two steps if you wet sand because you would need to follow with a compound then polish. I would recommend 3m high gloss, by far the grittiest stuff I have used on boats then follow with something milder then your wax. If you do wet sand you may need something grittier than 2000 then work into the 2000.
 
oxidized boats suck to do, tons of elbow grease and lots of pads and compound I would stay away from wet sanding the gel coat Very different than working on a car
 
I only do a few boats, but when I started, I called the Ski Nautique dealer and asked what they used - it's Shurhold Buff Magic compound. That and a wool pad, on a rotary is your best bet. And I've tried a few other methods and products, and I always come back to Shurhold. It is so much better than Gel Coat Labs stuff, just remember to clean the wool after each section and switch pads when it won't clean up good.
 
Addicted2Bling said:
^^I know wool and compound would work, but I'm stuck on what my buddy told me about wetsanding being "faster and wax ready." Compounding and wool pad I know would work, but if I can find a better way to make it easier then it would be a lifesaver...
Click to expand...

You buddy obviously doesn't have a clue
 
I used 3M Super Duty and the most aggressive wool pad ( Black) the last time I did the fiber glass RV. Everything else I had on hand barely touched it. The 3M left a glass like finish which came out very well.

Dave
 
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