Restoring fibreglass?

[capetown]

For masking I use 3M 3434 tape, as it can cope with wet/damp conditions.

Good luck.

 

[hunter_europa]

Thanks for all of the information, I've quite a lot to look through now. Let's hope I end up with a very shiny wee boat once she's back in the water!

Thanks everyone

 

[mhph]

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

Thanks SP, I contacted them but no joy.They put me on to a power tool supplier called "Elmers", nr Ipswich, but they only had one ( a bosch), bit too sophisticated.
What does surprise me is looking at the Youtube video which a poster supplied,but USA based; it seemed they like there was any number available, especially ones which seemed idiot proof,ie designed not to accidently damage the gelcoat if you were over zealous.Surely there are enough boat owners here that you don`t have to basically go to car valeters.
Anyway plumped for a Seally orbital model.See how it goes.
I had also visited (locally): Halfords,B & Q,Screwfix.Not satisfactory and limited(very limited),stock.

 

[northwind]

Thanks SP, I contacted them but no joy.They put me on to a power tool supplier called "Elmers", nr Ipswich, but they only had one ( a bosch), bit too sophisticated.
What does surprise me is looking at the Youtube video which a poster supplied,but USA based; it seemed they like there was any number available, especially ones which seemed idiot proof,ie designed not to accidently damage the gelcoat if you were over zealous.Surely there are enough boat owners here that you don`t have to basically go to car valeters.
Anyway plumped for a Seally orbital model.See how it goes.
I had also visited (locally): Halfords,B & Q,Screwfix.Not satisfactory and limited(very limited),stock.

This site has been recommended here in the past:
http://www.boatsheen.com/boat_polishing.html

And this stuff was also recommended previously:
Aquabuff 2000

 

[Bosun Higgs]

rubbing compound then polishing compound, then wax

There's a guy doing just this in our club compound at the moment. He charges £75 per side and the boats come out shining like new. The ones he has done so far are all 30 years old or more.

 

[PeteE]

I found that on a grey coloured topside gelcoat even with heavy duty compounding I couldn't get the blotches out. So I have experimented on the transom with 600 then 1200 wet and dry which has brought up a consistent colour with only a light sanding, before compounding. As far as I can see this is a recognised technique, but not mentioned in any of the previous posts.

 

[Marine Reflections]

I found that on a grey coloured topside gelcoat even with heavy duty compounding I couldn't get the blotches out. So I have experimented on the transom with 600 then 1200 wet and dry which has brought up a consistent colour with only a light sanding, before compounding. As far as I can see this is a recognised technique, but not mentioned in any of the previous posts.

Certainly is a recognised technique, the gel coat may well have been previously sealed over the top of any oxidation patches?

This video from 3M Marine highlights most techniques very well.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

Thanks SP, I contacted them but no joy.They put me on to a power tool supplier called "Elmers", nr Ipswich, but they only had one ( a bosch), bit too sophisticated.
What does surprise me is looking at the Youtube video which a poster supplied,but USA based; it seemed they like there was any number available, especially ones which seemed idiot proof,ie designed not to accidently damage the gelcoat if you were over zealous.Surely there are enough boat owners here that you don`t have to basically go to car valeters.
Anyway plumped for a Seally orbital model.See how it goes.
I had also visited (locally): Halfords,B & Q,Screwfix.Not satisfactory and limited(very limited),stock.

Shurhold products are big in USA and making some inroads here this is a link to e-bay USA where a lot of the Shurhold produces sell http://search.eim.ebay.eu/?kw=shurhold&ect=&elc=1&eb=Search
doing some research on the web their product is one of the best especially the electric polisher it not quit an orbital and does prevent burning on the GRP surface.

 

[Monique]

Go to the Maguires web site. Open the tutorial site and use any "fit for purpose" product you wish while observing the recommendations of the web site.

GL

 

[jfkal]

Long term poliglow?

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

Poliglow is indeed longlasting. ATRACTING DIRT FOR A LONG LONG TIME. Looks great after application and worse than before after a week or two.

 

[david100952]

autoglym

I'm not familiar with the Starbrite product or others mentioned - possibly because I take one look at the price of them in the chandlers and run. This was exacerbated by my breaking my golden rule and buying a "miracle product" at a boat show - A Glaze to be precise, and as far as the cleaner/restorer is concerned I might as well of used Fairy Liquid. In the end I opted for a polishing machine (£40 Silverline) and rubbing compound but I had an ols bottle of Autoglym polish/wax in the cupboard and gave it a try to give some protection. It gave a shine which would be admired on a new boat and remarkable on a 30yr old GRP hull - its still good 2 years later with no re-application.
Regards and good luck.
David

 

[mhph]

Shurhold products are big in USA and making some inroads here this is a link to e-bay USA where a lot of the Shurhold produces sell http://search.eim.ebay.eu/?kw=shurhold&ect=&elc=1&eb=Search
doing some research on the web their product is one of the best especially the electric polisher it not quit an orbital and does prevent burning on the GRP surface.

I do like the Shurhold range but the shipping costs more or less double the price.You would think there might be a UK importer.Or if there is have not found it.
Ended up buying a Sealy orbital polisher, not expensive so if not satisfied will go for more sophisticated Maguires or a Bosch type, although am a bit wary of being over zealous with a rotary variable speed model.