Your Guide to Properly Wet Sanding a Boat for Fiberglass Oxidation Removal & Gelcoat Restoration

Revitalize Your Boat's Beauty: A Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Gelcoat Oxidation
Does unsightly oxidation now mar your boat's once-gleaming gel coat? Don't fret - we've got you covered with this detailed guide on restoring your boat's beauty through effective oxidation removal. Follow these steps for a smooth and shining gelcoat.
Step 1: Assessment
Begin by inspecting your boat's gelcoat for oxidation. Look for dullness, chalkiness, or a haze on the surface. Identifying the severity of oxidation helps in determining the approach needed for restoration.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Before diving in, assemble the necessary tools and materials. You'll need high-quality sanding pads, a rotary polisher and DA tool, clean microfiber cloths, and fresh water.
Step 3: Cleaning the Surface
Thoroughly clean the affected area using a boat-specific cleaner. This removes any dirt, debris, or contaminants on the gel-coat, ensuring the clean surface.
Step 4: Apply the Oxidation Remover
Start by wet sanding a small area, going from the smallest number to the highest grit paper.
Step 6: Wipe Away Residue
Once you have sanded the area thoroughly, wipe away the residue with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Be thorough in this step to reveal the improved gel coat beneath. At this point, thousands of fine scratches will need to be corrected by compounding and then polishing.
Step 7: Rinse and Inspect
Rinse the treated area with fresh water to remove any remaining residue. Inspect the gelcoat to ensure that the oxidation has been successfully removed. Repeat the process if necessary for heavily oxidized areas.
Step 8: Polishing for a Gleaming Finish
To enhance the shine of your gel coat:
Consider using a marine-grade compound.
Apply the product according to the manufacturer's instructions, buffing the surface to achieve a glossy finish.
Apply a quality polish to make the gel-coat shine.
Step 9: Regular Maintenance
To prevent future oxidation, establish a routine maintenance schedule for your boat. Regular cleaning, polishing, and protective measures can prolong the life of your gel-coat and keep it looking pristine.
Follow these steps, and you'll be on your way to saying goodbye to gelcoat oxidation and hello to a boat that shines like new. Enjoy cruising with a vessel that truly reflects the beauty of the open waters! If you really want to help, consider a ceramic coating by SparrowHawk detailing. We will cover the protection step in the next episode.
Reach out to Ryan for all of your detailing needs:
[phone]
[e-mail]
tcsmobiledetailing.com/
SparrowHawk...
#wetsandboat #gelcoatoxidation #boatdetailing #boatpolishing #boatcleaning

[@CaptChrisCanning]

This video will defanitly help someone out there! One thing I wasnt sure of is the dry sanding, but it was the way to go! Can't wait to see what the entire boat looks like!

[@Saltyscales]

For sure l, it's always fun watching something come back to its former glory.

[@stephanietaylor7928]

I love this series, I am learning a lot!

[@Saltyscales]

😎

[@sethscott4211]

Thats crazy the difference. People dont realize what the paint actually looks like say on a 100k car or boat. Then you take it to a guy like him to get that mirror like image plus the extra to keep it like that. Cant wait to see the final.

[@Saltyscales]

Ryan has done a fine job.

[@Taylorstactical]

Looks sweet!

[@Saltyscales]

👌

[@mattlord2906]

Totally make me want to take this guy to Bass Pro and buy a new boat, then have him detail it like it should come from the factory. Then, hand the bill to the dealer for a rebate

[@Local_Boydidgood]

I like your video production. I humbly offer that in my opinion, that boat didn't need sanding. It came out nice but the time and cost involved made me try something else about 20 years ago. I've never looked back. Take a look, make more money, have happier customers. Cheers!

[@stevebeaulieu2617]

Nice video, just bought the 3D one today for my camping trailer made with gelcoat, can you help me please? After I apply the compound my surface was very good looking so I decide to wax it with cleaner wax, the surface was pretty nice too with the wax. Once the sun appear I can see some haze underneet the wax kind of a window that as been not wash good. Why do you think it his appenning ? Thanks for your help.

[@mattlord2906]

What sander is that, and the CFM on the compressor running it? Thanks.

[@justinriedy8809]

Man, I just want to see more videos on the Avenger... I frickin' love these boats. Wish I could afford one.

[@Saltyscales]

For sure

[@truckergare]

These video's are great, but now one video's the tight and nooks and cranny's.

[@Saltyscales]

Same methods apply but with smaller tools and equipment

[@loamy]

Looking for a DIY video to sand by hand not in a shop by professionals

[@Saltyscales]

Well keep looking 👍