Gel-Coat Oxidation Removal on 13" Boston Whaler

[Mike Phillips]

Gel-Coat Oxidation Removal on 13" Boston Whaler (http://www.marine31online.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21)


The center console as well as the rest of the topside smooth gel-coat surfaces have oxidized and turned chalky. Here's a two-step approach to remove the oxidation and restore a smooth, glossy surface that will resist deterioration better than a rough surface as well as restore the show room new look to our boat.


http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_001.jpg


First I removed the speakers and the speaker grills so I wouldn't have to worry about running my buffing pad into the plastic or getting splatter into the grill holes.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_002.jpg


Next I placed a towel behind the speaker hole openings to prevent any splatter from getting inside the console and the wiring tucked inside of it.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_003.jpg


Next I taped off any other components and then placed a tape-line down the center to show the before and after difference.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_004.jpg


If you look at the top of the ship shape decal where the tape line is you can see a portion is glossy from the overhead light shining down but the gel-coat finish is chalky white with zero gloss.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_005.jpg


The gel-coat is oxidized but not bad enough for an aggressive compound so I'm using a medium cut polish...

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_006.jpg


Note the extension attached to the spindle of the rotary buffer to move the backing plate away from the body of the buffer, this enables me to get into tight areas better...

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_007.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_008.jpg


You can see the oxidation is removed and the gloss is starting to amp-up...

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_009.jpg


After removing the oxidation I then switch over to a all-in-one cleaner/wax and switch my rotary buffer over to a foam pad...

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_010.jpg


Since the foam is a lot more gentle than the wool cutting pad I'm able to buff over the decals without burning them off...

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_012.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_013.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_014.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_015.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_016.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_017.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_018.jpg


Now lets remove the tape and check out the results...

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_019.jpg


Oxidation is removed, gloss is restored and the gel-coat surface is now protected...

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_020.jpg


Here you can now easily see the overhead florescent lights reflecting off the console...

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_021.jpg


On the other side of the tape-line the gel-coat is still dull and chalky looking...

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_022.jpg


Now John only has the other half to buff out... :D

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_023.jpg


Looks like brand new...

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_024.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_025.jpg


Crank up the stereo!

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_026.jpg




On Marine31.com

Marine 31 Gel Coat Gloss & Color Restorer (http://www.marine31.com/marine-31-gloss-restorer.html)

Marine 31 All-In-One Gel Coat Polish & Wax (http://www.marine31.com/marine-31-polish-and-wax.html)

Cyclo 4 Inch Hook and Loop Wool Pads (http://www.marine31.com/cyclo-wool-pads.html)

Flex PE14 Rotary Polisher (http://www.marine31.com/flex-pe14-2-150-rotary-polisher.html)

4" Lake Country Backing Plate (http://www.marine31.com/lc43175.html)
Rotary Backing Plate Extension (http://www.marine31.com/rotary-backing-plate-extension.html)


:)

[tropicsteve]

wow, that brought back the shine and gloss very well. the 50/50 is pretty dramatic with just two steps.

[Mrclean81]

wow, that brought back the shine and gloss very well. the 50/50 is pretty dramatic with just two steps.

Agreed. Looks like some pretty impressive products.

[Nick]

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_022.jpg



Excellent work Mike! :eek:

I'd also like to mention that all Marine 31 polishes can be used in direct sunlight. :D

[Mike Phillips]

It doesn't look like this boat has been buffed in a while sometimes I see that as an indicator that after I buff it out it's not necessarily going to all of a sudden start getting more or regular maintenance so I wanted to do a good job but keep my steps to a minimum.

I'll probably buff out the other half of the console tomorrow and then see what I can do for the T-Top.


:)

[Mrclean81]

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/502/Ship_Shape_Console_022.jpg
I'd also like to mention that all Marine 31 polishes can be used in direct sunlight. :D

That answered my question before I asked it :)

[Mr Sunshine]

What is item is the yellow foam pad used with the all in one ?

[Mike Phillips]

What is item is the yellow foam pad used with the all in one ?


That was a 4" CCS Yellow Foam Cutting pad.


:)