Dull spot on glossy boat gelcoat finish

[olough]

I have read the FAQ's on Boat finish maintenance, but not sure about the solution to my problem. The gelcoat on my boat is in good shape, very glossy because I wax it regularly. No oxidization.
I was tied up at a dock overnight and the rubber bumpers rubbed the finish to where the area is dull (not scratched). What product could I use to restore it to glossy?

[Mike Pennington]

Re: Dull spot on glossy boat gelcoat finish

Without any pictures to 100% confirm your description, your best best would be the M49 Oxidation Remover or even the M67 One-Step Compound.

While it may not be "scratches", the bumpers caused hazing which need to be removed using the same type of products before reapplying any polish or wax...

Mike

[olough]

Re: Dull spot on glossy boat gelcoat finish

And if I did try wax already (which I did), does that change the approach?

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Dull spot on glossy boat gelcoat finish

And if I did try wax already (which I did), does that change the approach?

No as the wax will not remove the haze caused by the bumpers.

Do you have any pics you can post to give us a better idea of the damage so that we can make a recommendation?

Also, do you have a buffer?

Tim

[olough]

Re: Dull spot on glossy boat gelcoat finish

I do have a Wen Tools Polisher: 7" Grinder/Polisher; 2/3 Horsepower; 1,100-1,350 RPM; 2 Speed buffer
I will take a picture of the area and post it tomorrow.
Thanks for your help.

[olough]

Re: Dull spot on glossy boat gelcoat finish

Don't know if I did the picture correctly in my Gallery. If you can open it, you will see a dull spot that I have circled. The travel trailer next to me provides the reflection. This is the dull spot I would like to make shiny like the rest of the boat.

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Dull spot on glossy boat gelcoat finish

Thanks for posting the picture.

It appears that the bumper did haze the finish somewhat. From the looks of it, I would try either M44 Color Restorer, or more likely, M49 Oxidation Remover as Mike suggested.

Take a piece of terry toweling and really work in the M49. Keep working it until it is a light residue and then wipe off. Follow the M49 with M45 Boat Polish on a foam appliactor and then M63 Flagship Marine Wax, also with a foam applicator.

Now, this is all dependant upon how deep the marring is, and how workable your gel coat is. If this does not work by hand, you could go to a stronger product like M67. But IMO, in this case based on the picture, I would rather turn to a machine and use M49.

Try the above by hand first. If that does not do it, then we may need to look at machine buffing.

Please keep us posted!

Tim

[olough]

Re: Dull spot on glossy boat gelcoat finish

I used the M49 Oxidation Remover with my buffer and that did take out the haze, I used the M45 Boat Polish and then M63 Flagship Marine Wax as advised and it looks like new and is smoooooth. Thanks for the advice.

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Dull spot on glossy boat gelcoat finish

I used the M49 Oxidation Remover with my buffer and that did take out the haze, I used the M45 Boat Polish and then M63 Flagship Marine Wax as advised and it looks like new and is smoooooth. Thanks for the advice.

You are very welcome! Glad we could help!

Tim