Best Product To Refinish Gel Coat

[Brent Christian]

Just got the boat and its realy rough feeling and has lost its shine? What should i do and whats the best product to use?

[Fishing Rhino]

It could take something as simple as buffing.  It  could also take sanding with some very fine, 1200 grit or finer, followed by buffing.

So, you start with the mildest, buffing with a minimally aggressive buffing compound.

If the finish is metalflake, it's best left to an expert.  Go too deep and your colored flakes will become silver, and you have reached the point of no return.

If it's a solid color you still run the risk of going too deep.

First give the surface a thorough cleaning, then, try a cleaner glaze, applied by hand for starters.  That "rough" feeling could be tree sap or other contaminants that simply need to be removed.

If it's still rough, get a mild buffing compound.  Start with hand rubbing.  If the finish is better but still not smooth, use the compound with a buffer.  Work a small area at the time.  Use a slow speed on the buffer.  You do not want to build up heat in the finish.  Get a spray bottle, and mist the area periodically.  That will help to keep the area cool, and will also break down the compound into finer particles.

You are performing surgery.  You do not want to remove more of the finish than is necessary.

Patience is key.  Go very slowly, until you develop a feel for what you are doing.

[BassnChris]

1 hour ago, Fishing Rhino said:

  It  could also take sanding with some very fine, 1200 grit or finer, followed by buffing.

 

 

That would be wet sanding, right?

either way, like Tom said......easy does it.

[Way2slow]

If it feels rough when you rub your hand over it, Most likely you don't have any clear gel left to do anything with.  What you are feeling is most likely the medal flake the clear gel was protecting.  If so, what still has any color on it, won't once you start sanding and it will turn to a mass of silver specks.  

So, to answer your question if that's is the case, there is nothing you can do unless you want to spend some serious money refinishing it, or put a wrap on it, or see if for what it is, and old, miss treated boat and use the heck out of it.  That's a lot of tackle, gas, and other expenses you could put that money toward.   Pretty boats don't catch any more fish that ugly ones.

[Fishing Rhino]

2 hours ago, BassnChris said:

That would be wet sanding, right?

either way, like Tom said......easy does it.

Yes, that's wet sanding.

[WIGuide]

Check out the Pro Tec line of products. Even though I haven't used them yet, I plan to try it this year after hearing many good things about them. http://protecproducts.com/

[J Francho]

You would refinish gel coat with gel coat.  There's no easy solution once it's gone.  If it feels rough, I agree that the clear is gone.