Revitalising gelcoat

[Cheech]

Hi all,

Just bought myself a new old glass boat. Hull is about 1980 model and the gelcoat is looking pretty average. Was similar with my old 18fter and with a lot of elbow grease I got the sides to a mirror finish, and the top in a pretty good finish.

This boat is a lot worse due to being left out in the sun and also a lot older, but before I decide to paint, I will see how well I can get it up.

The last time I use a cut and polish, but with this boat being pretty bad to start with, I was thinking that I may need to give it a cut first without polish, and then a few go overs with cut and polish, before finishing with a straight polish. Is this the right way to go? Have never used a straight cut before.

Also, some parts of the cocpit have been painted. Looks like hand painted. I assume painted to cover sections of extra wear or damage, but even so, I need to remove this paint. How will I remove it? If I was painting now, I would sand it off, but as I want to see if I can clean it up first, I don't want to attack it with a sander. Is it possible to use a paintstripper without trashing the gelcoat? If yes, I suppose you would have to be careful and not leave on for any longer than absolute necessary, and clean with water straight after stripping the paint off.

There are a number of thin cracks in the gelcoat in a couple of small sections. What is the best way to tidy those up?

Cheech

[Bruce_Bogtrotter]

cheech,
not too sure about polishing the gelgoat, but with the painted ares you can spray with oven cleaner( Mr. Muscle) used to be the go. it will soften the paint enough to remove it with a coarse rag. if you are going to buff it you will get it off easier with a green scourer, but this will slightly scuff the surface. Try it in an inconspicuous place first..

[STUIE63]

Cheech
there was an excellent thread on this subject only a week or so ago. have a look at it . i printed it off and it will be my bible for looking after glass boats.
Stuie

[newchum]

cheech, have a look at threads by Blackened, it is great well worth printing off and filing, step by step easy to follow, and Blackened is A PRO

[Cheech]

Thanks guys. Had not seen that thread. Just what I needed to know.