whats is feeding the gel coat?

[uniquedetailing]

From readin past threads members talk about feeding the gel coat with an oily products, what is the process of this and what products would you use?

 

[ntwrkguy1]

If I were working on gel coats, I'd probably using something from Meguiar's Marine product line, though a lot of people here have used the 205/105 products.



Anyway, here is the link to the Marine line:



Meguiar's Direct - Shop for Meguiar’s® Marine/RV cleaning and polishing products.



If you've got a gel coat with a lot of oxidation, you probably will need a rotary. The process is just about the same as with a car.

 

[efnfast]

I found Meguiars marine to be useless.



I had best luck with Menzerna products - SIP and 106.



basically I'd (for wetsanding down mold lines)



800

1000

1200

1500

2000

3000

SIP/PFW

106/white





Then for just removing swirls and oxidization 106/white was usually more than enough (nb: for light stuff, no idea about heavy since I don't ahve any heavy stuff to do)

 

[wicho661]

efnfast, would you ever consider using a random-orbital sander on gelcoat since you have to start with 800 grit in the first place?

 

[Nicky Papers]

Garry's Royal Satin still remains the best Marine Wax that "feeds the gel coat" I've ever used.



Collinite Paste Fleetwax (No. 885) works well too. It's more difficult to apply / remove, but does a great job it you have the time....



I apply Garry's with a soft bristle paint brush first, spread with a PC and a foam pad on a light speed, remove with Microfiber, and move on!

 

[Greg Nichols]

You can use Megs 81, 3, 7. Its still a debate if "feeding" is what the gel coat "needs", once the Styrene starts to fail its hard to stop, and styrene naturally breaks down, UV accelerates the process. So using a UV blocking product is a great start early on, and do it yearly at a min.



Cheers,

GREG