seanfoster
Member
I need help! (In more ways than what this question is about but that's another story!)
On with the dufour 1800 project, the boat has been stood in a garden for the past 7 or so years and the hull, although dirty is in good condition.
I have started trying to bring the grp back to it's former glory, my proceedure was to first jet wash all of the surface grime, then compound with a coarse then fine rubbing compound (aqua buff 1000 then 2000) with a rotary polisher (the angle grinder type) and then finish with a caranuba wax.
The problem I have is the gelcoat has gone off white over the years. There are areas where there used to be vinyl lettering and stripes, these areas are pure white and for some reason there is a slight lip (I'd say about 1/4 of a mm) the exposed grp is slightly proud of the previously covered areas.
I've tried oxalic acid and it hasn't done much, I thought this would be all that I'd have to do but hasn't really touched it.
I'm thinking that sanding is the obvious answer but don't want to go through the gelcoat.
Has anyone got any ideas what has happened to my gelcoat?
On close examination there are areas of microscopic pores which seem to be discoloured.
(this is well above the waterline).
Any advice would be appreciated!
On with the dufour 1800 project, the boat has been stood in a garden for the past 7 or so years and the hull, although dirty is in good condition.
I have started trying to bring the grp back to it's former glory, my proceedure was to first jet wash all of the surface grime, then compound with a coarse then fine rubbing compound (aqua buff 1000 then 2000) with a rotary polisher (the angle grinder type) and then finish with a caranuba wax.
The problem I have is the gelcoat has gone off white over the years. There are areas where there used to be vinyl lettering and stripes, these areas are pure white and for some reason there is a slight lip (I'd say about 1/4 of a mm) the exposed grp is slightly proud of the previously covered areas.
I've tried oxalic acid and it hasn't done much, I thought this would be all that I'd have to do but hasn't really touched it.
I'm thinking that sanding is the obvious answer but don't want to go through the gelcoat.
Has anyone got any ideas what has happened to my gelcoat?
On close examination there are areas of microscopic pores which seem to be discoloured.
(this is well above the waterline).
Any advice would be appreciated!