Gelcoat issue

[mojocowboy]

Odd thing is I'm talking to my wife about how to get the shine...get on facebook and POOF, an ad for F11. I'm looking to bring back the fade but I am looking for something that will not need to be reapplied after every outing. If you look close to the area below where the bilge empties you will notice some discoloration. I can wax it but when we take it out at the end of the day it needs it again. Has anyone used F11 or anything that claims to work? Thanks in advance, Matt

 

[Lazy Daze]

No, never used or heard of that product, but a couple things to keep in mind... Wax (and all are NOT created equally) is not meant to get rid of fading/discoloration. That is what compound is for. Now, before I get too far into this, there are like a 1,000 threads about what product is best and how to apply. And there are nearly a 1,000 opinions on this subject, as well. The point is, you need to compound (one or two steps) and then wax to PRESERVE the shine that you've created.

 

[Larry Sturm]

Just completed waxing my 15 year old 320 Sundancer. As Lazy Daze pointed out, You really need to compound and then wax. First I applied Marine 31 Gel Coat Final Step (mild compound) with a circular buffer, then I applied Marine 31 Gel Coat Carnauba Wax and Sealant with a oscillating buffer. That’s the only way I have found to get a long lasting deep shine. This should keep you from having your discolor problem.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Want to do the compounding and waxing in one step? Use Meguairs Cleaner and Wax. It won't do the same job as compounding will, but if you're just looking to improve the finish a bit and apply the wax, it does that.

 

[Cincy Aquaholic]

Waxing over faded gelcoat will do nothing but temporarily conceal the fade as you've seen. Use a good compound or cutting creme. Then maybe even a polish THEN pure wax. I have used countless brands of polishes and compounds over the years including all the high end 3M stuff. I have had 2 black hull boats. And I am OCD. And I have found the Presta line of products to be the best. Use the right combination and the right tool and you will get it to a show room shine.

 

[Happy Dayz]

...im finding the same challenge with mine, same color...

may have to try the Presta Compound...

 

[JVM225]

Waxing over faded gelcoat will do nothing but temporarily conceal the fade as you've seen. Use a good compound or cutting creme. Then maybe even a polish THEN pure wax.

Solid advice! I’ll add that if you don’t already own a rotary polisher then you may want to invest in one. Get a wool compounding pad and a wool polishing pad too.
Most pro’s use either a Makita 9227 rotary or comparable model by Dewalt.
No need for a DIY boat owner to spend that much though. Harbor Freight has one for under $50.00 that many boaters report serve them well.