Dull gel coat spots

[dgclark99]

Hey Mike,
You have addressed similar issues to this but I still need help.
I have a well maintained Grady-White but as it lives under the southern Florida sun every day, keeping the new boat gloss is a never ending battle. Most of the gel looks terrific. I wax the top sides 4 times a year and I have found that in some areas (see picture) I have some dull patches. It does not seem to be oxidation as it is as smooth as the surrounding areas. Also it does not buff off. I use a power buffer followed by hand buffing with a micro fiber towel. Looking straight on it looks fine but when viewed at an angle I see the dull patches.
My only theory is that maybe it is old built-up wax. I figure the cure for that is a total strip down (UGH!) so I am curious as to your opinion. The picture doesn't really show it well but the dull patches are irregular and from maybe 6" sq. to over 12".
Thanks for the help.
Cap'n Dan

[Mike Phillips]

If it's a wax build up you could try using a light cleaner/wax with your power buffer to buff off the build up.

Place a strip of painter's tape down the middle of a dull spot and buff on just one side of the dull spot and see if you can improve it. This is a simple troubleshooting method I use that can help you determine the problem.

What kind of buffer are you using?


:)

[dgclark99]

I am using Shurhold's dual action buffer.

[Mike Phillips]

I am using Shurhold's dual action buffer.

I have one of those out in the garage, it's key when using the Shurhold to use small diameter pads that are thin, I'd recommend getting the thin purple foamed wool pads for this tool.

Next time you use it, mark the backing plate somehow so you can easily see of it's rotating when you're buffing with it, if not "you're not doing anything".

The pads that Shurhold sells with it are too large for this tool to do any major correction work..


:)

[professionalpolishing]

That is oxidation that has not been fully removed, and has been more or less moisturized by waxing giving it a smooth feeling. In my opinion having done this for 10 years professionally you should use marine 31 heavy oxidation remover to really expose a fresh surface with like Mike said a thin foamed wool pad if your gonna use a d.a. Then coat with one of there waxes. It is also a good idea to wax a little more often to ensure proper protection. Remember if the water isn't beading you don't have any protection.

[dgclark99]

Thanks for everyone's help and advice.
I tried the suggestion and it worked. Looks like new gel coat.
I ordered the Thin Foamed Wool Pad and Marine 31 Gel Coat Polish & Wax.
I worked a small area for a couple of minutes and the dull spots were gone. Oh, and I also ordered the Buffing Pad Spur which I used between each small section. The surface is like glass with a deep shine. Thanks again.

[Mike Phillips]

Thanks for everyone's help and advice.
I tried the suggestion and it worked. Looks like new gel coat.


I ordered the Thin Foamed Wool Pad and Marine 31 Gel Coat Polish & Wax. I worked a small area for a couple of minutes and the dull spots were gone.

Oh, and I also ordered the Buffing Pad Spur which I used between each small section. The surface is like glass with a deep shine.

Thanks again.




Good to hear!

Thank you for the follow-up.


:thumb:

[professionalpolishing]

Post some pics when your finished.

[Nick]

Post some pics when your finished.

I second this! :thumb:

[dgclark99]

I am attaching a pic of the finished section. Very little effort involved. If you look at my "before" posting you will see very little reflective shine and the dull spots. In the "after" pic all is changed. Again, I did not use a heavy cutting polish but instead used Marine 31 All In One figuring I could go more aggressive if necessary but it wasn't. Thanks again for the help.

[Mike Phillips]

Looks Great!


I've resized your full size images and placed them into your free gallery here on Marine31Online.com, here they are...


Before

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/500/Dull_Gel_Coat_Before_Marine31.jpg

This is a cropped out section from the original showing the dull sections f

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/500/Dull_Gel_Coat_Before_Marine31c.jpg



After

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/500/Finished_with_Marine31_01.jpg


http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/500/Finished_with_Marine31_01c.jpg


Nice!


:thumb:

[professionalpolishing]

Nice work!!!