using super fine sandpapers

[deniseO30]

I'm real experianced with using up to 2500 grit papers on all types of finishes. one example would be my car that doesn't have "orange peel" on the 3 yr old paint job from when it had it done. Much of the gel coat on my boat could use something "more" then compound to get rid of the oxidation. I think it would work ok. I doubt someone could get down to the substrate using super fine papers. Not like using a sander with 50 grit! Anyone with experiance in this please let me know how it worked out? thanks all!

[georgefmys]

Strong cleaners,such as TSP,will remove most of the oxidation without sanding.If you need to go deeper,600 or 800,used carefully should not remove too much gelcoat.i would hand-sand all areas that are not flat and use a small rubber block on larger,open surfaces. 3M High Gloss Gelcoat Compound will buff out the scratches ,results willbe very good if you machine buff.

[RichH]

I use 1500--->2000 grit wet and dry for gelcoat restoration prior to powerbuffing (with knobby foam pads) with 3M "Finesse-it" followed by 3M "Perfect-it". If the surface of the gel is bad (I'll use a pocket microscope to see 'how bad') then I might start with 600 W&D and work my way up to 2000 grit. Flat sanding gel the same way that you 'flat-sand' a museum quality varnish/lacquer job is the only way to go if you want 'mega-brilliance'.

BTW - when waxing I only use a bare wet hand to 'push-in' the wax, then continue to hand-rub until most of the wax either fills the pores of the gel or transfers to my hand .... just like I do on my sportscar, etc.

[BarryL]

Hello,

My boat has an off white hull with red boot and cove stripes. When I bought the boat the stripes were very faded and oxidized. I wet sanded them with 300 and then 600 grit and they look much better. It was difficult just doing the stripes, I can't image doing the entire hull.

Before and After pics

[tager]

I occasionally use 1500 to clean up gelcoat stains. I have been neglecting the waxing job...

[georgefmys]

Some abrasive companies now offer mesh sanding discs [look like screen fabric]. They work well for vacuum sanding and wet-sanding-almost no clogging of grit. Brand I use is Abranet by Mirka...has become my favored product for blending in LP paint and also gelcoat repairs.

[arf145]

I used 800 on up to 1500 or so before compounding and Finesse-it on the gelcoat on and around the cabin and it made a big difference. I didn't get it perfect, but much shinier than before.

[creedence623]

You should be safe with grits over about 1000. I am in the process of restoring the gelcote on my 87 Catalina 36. I started wetsanding with 600, moved to 1500, and finally 2000 grit backed with a foam block. The 600 is effective at working through most of the dead stuff, but it is possible to eat through the gelcote if you aren't careful. All in all I am very happy with the results. I followed it all up with the 3M fiberglass restorer, and can see my reflection from a few feet away which isn't too bad for 22 year old gelcote!

[blt2ski]

I've usually used a steel wool equal above 600 sandpaper in the 0, 00 or 000 grit. I prefer that over the different styles of paper in the 1000+ range. I am sure the same results occur, just choice of material used. The foam back 600 seems to work best for the initial, then then I use the plastic "steel wool" to get the final touches, then as mentioned, a 3m restorer or equal, then wax.

Marty