Ask Mike Phillips your Boat Detailing Questions If you have a question about detailing your boat with Marine 31 products or about something you saw on Ship Shape TV or in a video, please post your questions in this forum. |
Thread Tools |
09-08-2013, 10:19 AM | #1 |
Status: Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 7
|
Dull gel coat spots
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 |
09-08-2013, 01:54 PM | #2 |
Status: Director of Training
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 675
|
Re: Dull gel coat spots
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?
__________________
Made by boat people for boat people... |
09-08-2013, 04:09 PM | #3 |
Status: Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 7
|
Re: Dull gel coat spots
I am using Shurhold's dual action buffer.
|
09-08-2013, 05:46 PM | #4 |
Status: Director of Training
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 675
|
Re: Dull gel coat spots
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..
__________________
Made by boat people for boat people... |
09-10-2013, 11:32 AM | #5 |
Status: Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Cape Coral, Fl.
Posts: 37
|
Re: Dull gel coat spots
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.
|
09-12-2013, 01:41 PM | #6 |
Status: Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 7
|
Re: Dull gel coat spots
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. |
09-13-2013, 11:30 AM | #7 | |
Status: Director of Training
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 675
|
Re: Dull gel coat spots
Quote:
Good to hear! Thank you for the follow-up.
__________________
Made by boat people for boat people... |
|
09-13-2013, 02:19 PM | #8 |
Status: Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Cape Coral, Fl.
Posts: 37
|
Re: Dull gel coat spots
Post some pics when your finished.
|
09-13-2013, 03:04 PM | #9 |
Status: Super Moderator
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 98
|
Re: Dull gel coat spots
|
09-16-2013, 10:27 AM | #10 |
Status: Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 7
|
Re: Dull gel coat spots
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.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 4 (0 members and 4 guests) | |
|
|