Restoring fibreglass?

[hunter_europa]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice. The white fibreglass deck and cockpit on my hunter Europa is getting a bit old, I've tried polishing it but it never quite gets the finish that I'm looking for. I know that a 20+ year old boat will never look perfect but I know it can look better. As far as I can tell I've got three options and I would like your opinions on any of them.

1 - paint it, not too keen on doing that though.
2 - poliglow, although I've heard that in the longterm this isn't a good idea
3 - rubbing compound then polishing compound, then wax

I would really appreciate anyone's advice.

Thanks

 

[Seanick]

KiwiGrip.

 

[DanBurrill]

Get yourself a decent electric polisher, then use option 3.

As long as the gelcoat's not cracked or crazed, that should be enough to get her nice and shiny again.

 

[30boat]

Or do as I do and leave well alone.Polishing removes a lot of material and sometimes the gelcoat is quite thin.Once the laminate starts showing through painting is the only solution.

 

[yoda]

Option 3 but set yourself up with good quality products and the right buffing machine and mop heads. While over the years the gel coat will thin it is only a small amount that is removed if you use the right products and techniques. As somebody else has said once the laminate starts to appear there is little you can do except re-gel coat (possible and better done by a professional) or paint.

Yoda

 

[hunter_europa]

Thanks for your advice everyone. I think I will give the rubbing compound a try, I've seen starbrite on a few chandlers websites, would you recommend that brand?

 

[richardbrennan]

It's a three stage process; you need to compound, then polish and then wax. I used 3M products which were excellent, the compound is called something like "Imperial Polishing Compound" the polish is something like "Finesse It" and the wax is "Protective Liquid Wax". The compound is not widely available in chandleries but can be ordered on line from "Carters Consumables". I also invested in a Rupes polisher which was expensive but about half the weight of anything else on the market and I also used 3M lambswool bonnets, white for compounding and yellow for polishing. I have now switched to Maguires wax, it seems to last longer than the 3m on my dark blue hull.

It's hard work but very satisfying!

 

[VicS]

Thanks for your advice everyone. I think I will give the rubbing compound a try, I've seen starbrite on a few chandlers websites, would you recommend that brand?

I have used Farecla, Boat-pride ?? and most recently Starbrite.
IIRC the Farecla was a bit coarser that the others, but I may not have used the correct grade. I have both grades of Starbrite rubbing compound (paste) I use the "heavy" grade only where necessary.

For years I used a two speed electric drill on its slow speed but I now have an inexpensive Silverline sander/polishing machine.

Toolstation have the polishing machine for £40 also the foam compounding mops to fit.
I expect Screwfix have the same or similar.

I polished with one of the Starbrite liquid polishes after compounding. I think I might try their "Boat wax" instead.

Before and after pictures:

...

 

[saxonpirate]

Definitely option 3. I always use Farecla. It's available in all grades and is used extensively in the industry. I always get it from a trade supplier, although I guess any good chandler will be able to get it for you. Good stuff...

 

[VicS]

Definitely option 3. I always use Farecla. It's available in all grades and is used extensively in the industry. I always get it from a trade supplier, although I guess any good chandler will be able to get it for you. Good stuff...

Mostly people are using the Farecla products aimed at the vehicle refinishing trade. For best prices, therefore, go to a vehicle paint suppliers ... that's how I bought my Farecla compound first time round.

Easier in the long run to simply buy what the chandlers I happen to be shopping in have on the shelf ( actually even bought the polishing machine from Force 4 )

 

[Sneaky Pete]

Option 3 this may give you some ideas on how to do the job, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9rwHVTjZkI there are other links form this on youtube, you can also pick up some fairly good electric buffers (silverline type) on e-bay from around £35 be careful not to burn the gelcoat though.

 

[William_H]

Reconditioning f/g

As said the best option is cut back and polish however most boats that get to he age of fading gel coat also collect damage and evidence of filling holes etc. Eventually no amount of polishing will cover the repairs so you end up painting. Painting can be good but ruins the rough non skid areas by making them smooth.
In my case I went to repaint with 2 pack Polyurethane paint many years ago. It does not look like a new f/g boat anymore but it is easy to touch up and keep it looking smart if not brilliant. I use granules in the paint to get the non skid rough again. You will know when the time comes to repaint cos polishing just won't be good enough. good luck olewill

 

[Nostrodamus]

Read this for a excellent step by sep walk through of how to restore faded gel coat. It does work.

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=117266

I think it will cover everything you need to know.

 

[mhph]

Option 3 this may give you some ideas on how to do the job, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9rwHVTjZkI there are other links form this on youtube, you can also pick up some fairly good electric buffers (silverline type) on e-bay from around £35 be careful not to burn the gelcoat though.

I like the look and action of the Shurhold dual action buffer/polisher ( ie movement in different planes).In doing some research (internet) I haven`t seen a UK available make with the same action.Does anybody have any info ?

 

[Sneaky Pete]

I like the look and action of the Shurhold dual action buffer/polisher ( ie movement in different planes).In doing some research (internet) I haven`t seen a UK available make with the same action.Does anybody have any info ?

Try this they may be able to help http://www.seamarknunn.com/acatalog/Polish-Cleaners-Wax.html

 

[billcowan]

Agree, should avoid painting until the last resort.
but when you do, go for 2 pack polyeurithane paint, and dont stint on the prep. Polyeurithane doesnt adhere very well so needs a totally clean well keyed (scratched up) surface. apply with small fine wool roller and 'tip' off with soft brush. You get almost as good a finish as the original gel, but not as hard. so you have to touch up the scratches every couple of seasons

 

[Lakesailor]

Did you find the wool roller suitable? I started a boat with one and luckily started on the transom. The fall-out from the roller was awful.
I quickly went back to foam mini-rollers.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I have used Farecla, Boat-pride ?? and most recently Starbrite.
IIRC the Farecla was a bit coarser that the others, but I may not have used the correct grade. I have both grades of Starbrite rubbing compound (paste) I use the "heavy" grade only where necessary.

For years I used a two speed electric drill on its slow speed but I now have an inexpensive Silverline sander/polishing machine.

Toolstation have the polishing machine for £40 also the foam compounding mops to fit.
I expect Screwfix have the same or similar.

I polished with one of the Starbrite liquid polishes after compounding. I think I might try their "Boat wax" instead.

Before and after pictures:

...

Vic, I'd use what you used last times - the result looks great

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Read this for a excellent step by sep walk through of how to restore faded gel coat. It does work.

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=117266

I think it will cover everything you need to know.

Excellent tutorial which I have copied and saved. I might be needing it in a couple of months' time. Thank you.

 

[Nostrodamus]

Excellent tutorial which I have copied and saved. I might be needing it in a couple of months' time. Thank you.

Your welcome, it covered everything i needed and the products he recommends do really make a difference.