If your gel coat is losing its look, then there is hope. If you arent convinced that a floor polish that costs 8 times less will do the same job, go ahead and buy the PoliGlow kit and make your own comparison. Hope that helps and good luck with your project! It takes a lot of elbow grease to clean up a wax with cleaner. Just when you think it couldnt get any better, it does. If the polish is holding, the restoration will likely work. This took far more time than the actual application. This is the reason it is very common to see faded/oxidized white and light colored RVs. Boats that already have gelcoat, fiberglass, or polyester resin surface do not need any additional steps before repairing. After two passes with this compound, rinse off the boat with water and see if the oxidization has been removed. Fret not. It is somewhat difficult for many RV owners to determine if their RV has become oxidized. Re-hydrate them and squeeze out the excess water before you begin the next application. You should never apply it on white gelcoat and glass, as you may cause more damage instead of restoring it. You may proceed to wax at this point or move to a finer polish to improve the surface luster. I personally enjoy boat maintenance and care because it keeps your boat look brand new years down the road. tb1234. That is why it is always a smart idea to purchase easy-to-use products. Switching to natural RV cleaning supplies can cut out harmful chemicals and save you some money. Make sure to remove any stains too. Wash the surface again. Follow the steps in the video to Make your gelcoat look like new again. Hopefully, this post shall save you from this hassle. The key is to watch the pressure you put, how abrasive the product is and that you make sure you cover every spot on your RV the same. You can wash away heavy oxidation, blemishes, scratches, and other stains with its heavy-duty oxidation remover. Despite being damaged for years, your boats original color will be restored by this products powerful formula. The previous instructions only covered the removal of the oxidation. Moreover, it leaves a protective finish that prevents damages from UV rays. It allows you to , Whether it is for better visibility for night fishing or to improve aesthetic appeal, the best underwater boat lights are beneficial. If you are having trouble with your white fiberglass, I wont recommend this to you. It can remove light to moderate oxidation, and at the same time get rid of stains or spots and even scratches on surfaces of fiberglass boats with gel coat material and high-tech paint. So what is this Acrylic sealer product? The key here is to not get too aggressive of a restorer because it can damage your gel coat. Gelcoat is highly susceptible to oxidation and stains. If the damage is slight enough that hand polishing will suffice, the same techniques will work, though the products will be different. In fact the hull on Quantum Leap is paint a two part polyurethane called Awlgrip and needs very little maintenance to keep it looking good.
7 Fantastic Ways to Clean Fiberglass - Tips Bulletin Great shots of your hard work. Just when you thought that nothing could go wrong, you are suddenly stuck in the middle of the road with . Fiberglass Supply Depot Inc. White Gelcoat, - Highly viscous and easy to apply and spread, - Compatible with color additives for polyester resin or gel coat, - Comes with most of the necessary additives; catalyst, hardener, wax, (brand information comes from- https://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/gelcoat-restorers-for-boats/ ). Wool/poly blend is a medium duty pad and is used as a follow-up for the pure wool or as a primary pad for lighter polishing needs. Show more. Instead of buffing out an entire side of the boat and realizing you didn't compound your boat aggressively enough. And be sure to refresh the Acrylic on these high abuse areas more frequently a mid season application is probably in order. With a trusty rotary buffer, anyone can effortlessly achieve a professional look. It will prevent the paper from clogging up. I also found it did a good job during the initial prep process of removing the oxidation. To learn more about this topic, just continue to read our article. I had no issues in the New England summer sun, but there might be application issues in extremely hot and dry conditions. Many boaters claim this kits superior versatility that works on many surfaces. Mineral spirits are also worth a look. Since it comes in a unique oil formulation, it doesnt dry immediately.
What is gelcoat oxidation and how to prevent it? It will dry faster at higher temps but that did not seem to be an issue as long as things are dry. The hard work comes in removing the oxidation and then applying the different coats to protect the restored look. When used with a wool/poly blend pad, it will remove most of the swirl marks and deepen the shine. As time passes, the once brilliant and near-perfect boat surfaces are wrecked by oxidation, fading, and scratches. Should it ever be necessary to remove the Acrylic, you can use ZEP #1 Heavy Duty Floor Stripper (about $10/gal) in lieu of the PolyPrep or PoliStrip products. By coat 4 you will be seeing the shine come out. The power buffer is probably the best way to protect your hands and arms as they will not get as tired or sore. Meanwhile, if you utilized a plain gelcoat restorer, the polishing step should never skip. The biggest problem you will have is removing the oxidation that has formed in the pores of the gel coat. To get a little technical, ultraviolet light is a form of radiation that is omitted from the sun that has enough energy to break the chemical bonds of gelcoat resin. 0:00 / 8:24 Intro Buffing and Compounding Boat Gelcoat - Removing Oxidation Chris Canning 10.7K subscribers Subscribe 13K views 2 years ago Boat Maintenance & Care Buffing and Compounding. I like the applicator material that came with my PoliGlow kit. Save the kitchenscrub pads andcotton rags for small areas and little jobs. 11. If left unattended, your boats appearance becomes entirely ruined, which can spoil any boating excursion. One method requires a multi-coat application using a sealer and restorer but that regeneration task may only last you one year. Lets start with definitions. Also, take your time so you do not miss any spots. This post talks about how we did it and describes a fairly easy and relatively long lasting way to restore old faded Gelcoat to a better than new shine. Primarily because all RVs look glossy when viewed from an angle. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Make two passes over the work area with this technique and look at the finish to see if it is doing what you want. Easy Fault Reset Procedure. When you are done, you should have the look you want.
Removing Stains from Gelcoat - Bottom Paint Store So far (several months) we have seen excellent results as well and plan to refresh it with one or two coats at least every spring. (916) 635-5424 Phone, Copyright 2021 Morrison Marine | All Rights Reserved | Designed by, POLISHING A HIGHLY OXIDIZED GEL COAT SURFACE, Boat Restoration | Bayliner Trophy | Part 1. Get off all the oxidation and get everything clean. Restoring your gelcoat takes a lot of effort and time. The following wet sand instructions come from one such site. Effectiveness- results are the final judge in this task and if the product you use does not provide the right results, then go with a different brand the next time. Splendide Washer/Dryer Door Latch/Lock Bypass, Santa Rosa Beach, FL - Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Review. Start the machine and slowly move the pad left to right and up and down over the polish area. Here is the product that Wade used in the video, along with two other options: RV Finish Restorer with WaxGel Coat Restorer and WaxGel Coat Labs Gel Coat Polish. In my experience, horizontal surfaces take much more abuse (mostly from the sun) than vertical surfaces. Getting your tired, worn-out gel coat looking good again is not going to be that hard. Also this process will not repair crazing, cracks or other physical damage, but it will make a dull, chalky Gelcoat finish shine beautifully and it will make any underlying repairs less obvious. Once you finish that, go to a finishing compound, like 3M Finesse it II. You can use the same products as noted above with the power buffer. This small bottle can resurrect a dull and old-looking 400-square-meter area. The same rules apply, but don't use the same bonnet. Oxidation is a destructive process that deteriorates the surface of both painted and gelcoated surfaces and is mainly caused by ultraviolet rays (when talking about paint). Different owners use different methods as well as different levels of sandpaper grit. Besides wax protection, you can clean and restore your boat, but your desired result may require extended labor. Best of all, the easy cleanup ability allows you to spend more time traveling on your watercrafts shine, rather than endlessly buffing its surfaces. White gel coats dont photograph well, but here are the before and after photos. Marine 31 Gel Coat Oxidation Cleaner 8. Dont load up the applicator too heavily. That involves restoring it with a trusted product.
Buffing and Compounding Boat Gelcoat - Removing Oxidation The thing is, the effectivity of the product should be the foremost factor to consider. You will want a polishing compound that has some abrasives in it. In our case it made a dramatic improvement! Very interesting and informative. Step three has you polishing until all resistance is gone, Step four just has you wiping off any excess product. Copyright 2023 - RidetheDuckofSeattle. Step two is to buff the area you need to get rid of the oxidation. 4. You simply wipe it on and let it dry. I would use 3M 05955 Super Duty Compound. Updated Price in 2023. If you are on the road and do not have access to any of those options, talk to your campground owner. (Identify, Purpose, Features & More), How Much Does a Ski Boat Weigh? When washing the boat, the powdery residue would slough off and you could see clouds of it in the water! What's worse, environmental contaminants speed up gelcoat damages. Moreover, you may need to apply more of. Wait 10-15 minutes. The good news is, the best gelcoat restorer can solve this problem. 1. So, you dont have to worry about fading despite spending long hours under the sun. Thanks to its blend of carnauba and other special waxes, your dull and boring vessels shall attain its high-gloss and deep shine. The dealer may do it but they may be far more expensive than an outside shop. Hope that helps. The AZ sun really takes a toll on the gel coat finishes on the RVs and fifth wheels /travel trailers. There are two main types of fiberglass RVs: Fiberglass gel The vast majority of fiberglass RVs fall into this category. This way, youll get to bring back enthusiasm on the waters and live a better boating experience. What about paint? This gel coat rubbing compound clears away tough oxidation stains, rust, chalking, exhaust stains, and water spots. With my partner, we went on many trips and sports games together, which led us to think about how we can spread our joys and passions to many people. Thetford Corp 55032 Oxidation Remover 5. Boaters love how it results in a professional-like shine, without spending too much effort and money. With this solution, your boat gets to bask more under the sun minus the risk of damages. Most gelcoat restorers are formulated to polish surfaces. The compound needs to stay damp. If you find chips, scratches or generally faded-looking areas in the finish of your rig, follow the advice below to get your RV back to looking great. If your vessel is predominantly filled with nasty stains, a heavy-duty cleaner usually does the trick. They are peoples choice , Are you thinking of buying a boat? Our two primary products for oxidation removal on gel coats would be our M44 Color Restorer and M49 Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover, with the M49 being the more aggressive of the two.
POLISHING A HIGHLY OXIDIZED GEL COAT SURFACE - Morrison Marine Decide on a restorer that effectively brings back vibrance and shine. It doesnt compromise on its power to efficiently bring back the luster, and it gets the job done even under warmer climates. Use a wet cloth to clean off the baking soda and dirt residue. I like that it is formulated with nourishing oils that go deep into the gelcoat, assuring a long-lasting shine for my beloved vessel. So I received my 110V2 this week, along with a supply of #45, #49, #50 & #56. Restoring oxidized gelcoat need not be expensive. Although the wide selection of gelcoat restorers granted boaters the freedom to choose a product that meets their needs, purchasing the perfect one may be a challenging mission. In my experience most waxes will simply not hold up anywhere near as long as the Acrylic, particularly if you wash the surfaces regularly. I had no problems blending one section with the next. Both methods can use the same oxidation removing products, so you do not have to buy any special items for the power method. On Quantum Leap, it took me 8 days to get thru the entire deck structure, working about 1-3 hours per day on specific parts of the boat (Cabin Top, Stbd Cabin Side, Port Cabin Side, Foredeck, Stbd Catwalk, Port Catwalk, Aft Deck, Swim Platform). I have a boat with chalky white paint. rob very fine job . This is done through a process called ionization, in which electrons breakaway from their atoms. However, this kit is only ideal for dark-colored gelcoat. If you are wondering how much does it cost to , Even the pontoon fenders and bumpers are easy to overlook and take for granted.
The Best Oxidation Removers for Boats - Boating Basics Online Make sure the product you use is still when you apply it. 1. Todays paint products are extremely durable and will hold up very well in the harsh marine environment. Oxidizing tends to be a surface effect while fading is much deeper in the material. I have used Minwax Polycrylic for years on many of my home improvement projects, particularly clear wood moldings and wood floors. This is more prevalent in dark colors but can be seen even in off-whites. Astandard paint gun with a primer nozzle is used to apply the gel coat to give your RV that glossy, expensive looking finish. Since you will be spending your money on your boats upkeep, make sure to purchase the best product. Not only that, boating professionals vouched for its ability to bring back life on fiberglass that had gone through oxidative stress. The next step after removing the oxidation will be to polish the gel coat. Corian) countertops, How To Not Sit Still A Plethora Of Projects! Think of it as a process similar to clear coat finishes used in the automotive industry. Updated: October 1, 2021 By Mike R Using Muriatic Acid To Clean Boats How To Remove Heavy Boat Oxidation (Fast) Does your fiberglass boat have brownish orange stains around the waterline or on the hull? To make this difficult task simple, here are a few tips for you to follow: Before anything else, clean boat surfaces with your preferred boat wash. Avoid using dishwashing soaps as they may cause more harm to the surfaces. Once the oxidation has been . For gelcoat the ZEP Heavy Duty Floor Stripper Concentrate, or PoliOx as mentioned in the post, or a boat store gelcoat oxidation remover work nicely. The 3M Marine Restorer and Wax, 09005 provides the best solution for you. In doing so, you can guarantee the best worth for your money. In brief, if you are looking for a solution to your dull and lifeless colored gelcoat, this is the real deal. Just listen to the advice and pick the one that will work on your version of the gel coat and how serious the problem is. Polishing pads are available in three primary styles, wool, wool/polyester blend and foam. This way, youll be ensuring a smart investment for your watercraft. Meguiar's M4901 Marine/RV Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover 2. Likewise, the tips and information shall help you realize a more convenient answer for oxidized gelcoat restoration. Once that is done, you still have two more steps to take to get your gel coat rejuvenated.
Our Test For The Best Rubbing Compound - How to Remove Oxidation From a Do-It-Yourself: Maintaining Your Boat's Gelcoat Finish - West Marine After some time, you will see your nice bright gel coat fading. Thats because many boats are made of fiberglass, the same material that is commonly used on the exterior of your RV. 2. The best part? A thin film is all that is needed.
How to Remove RV Gel Coat Oxidation - These 2 Simple Ways + Bonus Tip It has been said before and we are sure you already know the answer but the internet is the best, easiest, and fastest way to find a gel coat repair service or products that are near you. The floor stripper or marine oxidation remover should do the trick. It may be wise to put extra coats of the Acrylic on these areas. Despite its heavy-duty formula, it remains safe for fiberglass, gel coat, boats, and RVs. Clean Your Surface First things first: Clean the surface of your RV. The polisher should be held at a slight angle to the boat so most of the pad is in contact with the surface. Usually a little less than a 1/32 of an inch thick (0.5 0.8 mm), itsbonded directly onto the surface of the fiberglass. The gel coat may get damaged if you wait too long to do that step. The first few times I used Acrylic, I masked off all the adjacent surfaces before beginning the application (stanchion posts, rails, etc.). 3M Marine Restorer and Wax 7. A white powdery substance would be deposited on your skin or clothes if you were to touch the deck. Restoration with Acrylic is for old, abused and otherwise problematic (i.e. Oxidation results from exposure to Oxygen, UV, pollution and other aspects of nature. Its best , Facing the gloomy or foggy atmosphere over the waters can be dangerous or exciting, depending on the light installed in your water vessel. Except you should use the proper pad and not a piece of cloth. This is the Gelcoat oxidizing and literally wearing away! Both can be used with a W8207 foam polishing pad on the G110v2 and many have had great success stepping up to a W7207 foam cutting pad for more stubborn oxidation, scratches, etc. A tool designed to spin with a dual action pattern will not generate sufficient force and should not be used. The things I would emphasize regarding application of the Acrylic coating are: Rob, with a post like this one you could be for hire. The second method would be to use a power buffer. Much more efficient use of time and allows you to get the same results with less effort. Some are more abrasive than others and still more are more aggressive. Be careful with it though, this is very concentrated and may damage other surfaces on your boat or RV read the label carefully. If you can not make out any type of reflection and only a shadow, then more than likely your surface is oxidized. This is effective but you should be in shape as it does take more time and a lot of effort. You could try one of those on your paint but be careful and test in an inconspicuous area first. Use the least abrasive oxidation remover possible, so you do not grind away more of the gel coat than is necessary. 6 Simple Steps, How Much Horsepower Do I Need for My Boat? Advanced diminishing abrasives quickly remove oxidation while lubricating oils ensure a long buffing cycle and easy wipe off. The 3M Marine Restorer & Wax does several things to your boat. Dampness on the surface will cause some spotting. While it does an impressive feat in upkeeping your boats appearance, your budget and time are never at risk. Wipe it on in one direction only. Learning how to maintain your gel coat will save you a lot of money in the long run. We use a polymer product called Driven that has worked very well for us. Hopefully, with this buying guide, you can reach a commendable decision. What Should You Do to Avoid Colliding With Another Boat? Dont go too cheap though as cheaper is not always better. Despite that, the vast array of choices hinders boaters in making the right investment. I was working in close to 90F conditions and did not have any problems with the product just my stamina! Brian Living aboard in Victoria Harbour Reply Save For the most part, removing oxidation from your RV gel coat just requires some oxidation remover polish and some (or a lot of) elbow grease. The products work like magic, did the medium grade oxidation job in 16 hours. I would suggest over 55 and below 90 but avoid really damp and humid conditions. More than anything, we hope to assist you in upkeeping your boats optimum appearance. Gel coat is a syntehtic, resin-based substance used to coat fiberglass surfaces. Each of these types of siding require different techniques and tools to remove any oxidation that has started to appear. You dont have to be the Karate Kid and give yourself tendonitis and aching hands by waxing on and off over your entire RV. I will be teaching how to wax a boat in a future video but didn't want to make this video any longer than it had to be. You can forego this step if you are using a gelcoat polishing compound. I use the wood block with foam pad and chamois wrapped around it for smooth flat areas and a small folded piece of chamois for curved sections and working around obstructions. Waxes cover the surface and provide a barrier between the elements and the gelcoat surface. Although it may be pricier than others, it is undeniably a worthwhile investment in the long run. This is much too fast to work as a polisher. Go right over any vinyl graphics you may have it will brighten (and seal) them too! You may need to use a different applicator like a foam brush or even a bristle brush if you have aggressive nonskid. The chalk is the surface oxidizing. Not sure about that one. This gives off a much-wanted shine and deep luster on the gelcoat. Compounding your boat is the most important part of this process, so if you take anything from this video, make sure you focus on the compounding process. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. You have Filon siding, siding painted with automotive basecoat and clearcoat , painted aluminum siding (LazyDaze), corrugated aluminum (lower end travel trailers have this siding), dye infused fiberglass (Thor offers this type of siding), and bare aluminum (Airstreams). This is going to save you a lot of cursing several hours down the road. You can apply it with your hand or with a polisher. And you wouldnt want to repeat this several times in one season. However, if not kept sealed, either by waxing or other techniques, it will quickly begin to degrade (oxidize). Keep in mind that restoring a watercraft takes hours. In this video, Wade Weiss from Wade Maid, demonstrates how to rejuvenate your dull and oxidized gel coat by hand.
How To Remove Oxidation From Boat - BoatProClub.com Thanks! A great method to determine if it is oxidized is to stand at a perpendicular angle to the surface. 2347 Gold River Road Unit I There are heavy and light compounds that only differ in the degree of abrasiveness. JAVASCRIPT IS DISABLED. Works on gel coat, fiberglass, painted surfaces, and metal; Liquid formula as opposed to a paste; Restores original color and luster; Container Size. Plus, you can save more of this alternative, since a little amount can be very effective. They stayed on the pads better, didnt run or splatter, and worked the oxidation out of the gelcoat longer. Everyone will have their favorite method and dont be surprised if they do not agree with each other. The Owatrol Gelcoat Restorer brings life back to old vessels that had gone dull and faded. NEVER wax it! Were removing vinyl lettering from our rig and will be using Ghost Off to remove the ghost image effect caused by oxidation. Pingback: How To Not Sit Still A Plethora Of Projects! Seal the surfaces with a premium boat wax. Yes! Painted RVs that have a good thorough wash & wax performed at least every 9 months can expect their paint to look as close to brand new as possible for the life of the RV. Wipe down the surface area of the fiberglass with the sponge, making sure to get in the crevices. If you want to increase the shine, I would recommend 3M 06039 Finesse-It Compound. This defeats the purpose. The foam style pad is used for application and polishing with a sealer glaze and is the least aggressive of the three. 3M has always been known to provide a reliable boating experience. Make sure to get to know what your boats body is made out of before purchasing this product. Meguiar's M4916 RV Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover Our first product is Meguiar's M4916 RV Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover, which offers many features that could benefit a rig owner. If you are looking for a premium solution for your white and faded fiberglass, this boat gel coat restorer is your answer. Even if there are some shiny and some dull areas the acrylic will produce an even shine after several coats.
Luckily, our product reviews aim to save you from this trouble.
It ensures a long-lasting showroom quality that spans for more than a year. This protects the surfaces from potential damages caused by UV rays or environmental contaminants. Unquestionably, this is a must-have essential for every boater. As a result, your boat shall attain a clean slate similar to when you bought it. If you are having trouble with your chalky and oxidized boat or RV, the MEGUIARS M-4965 MG Fiberglass Oxidation Removal Kit is your go-to solution.