OT- oxidized paint on boat-OT

[BILLANDLISA HORTON]

I'm looking for advice on a boat I just bought. The part of the boat that is burgundy colored was badly oxidized. About a month ago I used 3M marine fiberglass restorer and wax for heavily oxidized finishes. It seemed to work fairly well, but one month later the oxidation is starting to obviously return. Whats the best thing I can do for this heavily oxidized paint? Should I put a liquid wax on after the restorer or can that even be done? Can I have a paint place put clear coat over this section of the boat? Pour the advice on me. THanks



Bill

 

[Terry Meeks]

Bill - I work for a yacht dealership in Florida and have seen my share of oxidized gelcoat. The best thing I've seen in Collinite # 920 cleaner, to get the oxidation off, then wax with Collinite #925. If it's REALLY bad, there is a 3 step microfinish process you can do, but very labor intensive. Also, usually the clear coat isn't a good idea, at least in FL, as it tends to yellow with the intense weather. Good Luck

 

[Wes Davis]

Bill the fiberglass has to have new gelcoat. Once your gelcoat becomes chalky it has failed. Another option is a complete paint job with something like Awlgrip. I have just been given an estimate of $2,000.00 to Awlgrip a 24' boat. You can wax and buff chalky gelcoat all you want but you are just covering up the problem for short periods of time. You will unlikely be able to find anyone to re gelcoat as the paint option is much more practical. If the gelcoat is not replaced, painted or repaired in time you will begin to get water under the fiberglass surface causing blisters and then your refinish job will be much more extensive.