getting spot out of gelcoat

mkcarte2 · Outlaw Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 168 City: raliegh, nc

I have an 86' nautique I have had for a year. The boat sat outside a long time, but it was always covered and he took good care of it. Anyways, at the rear of the boat on each side where 2001 is written, there are some small white spots. They almost look like water spots or something. I have waxed it and washed it several times, but the spots remain. I didnt know if you guys knew of anything that might would get these small spots out. You cant even see them past about 10 feet. The color remains bright and vibrant. There are just these small almost transparent spots. They are extremly small and I think something will get them out, I just dont know what. Got any ideas????????

hlboatsnboards · Criminal Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 93

Transparent as in you can see "into" the gelcoat. Meaning you can see depth or are they just water spots like you stated. If so, take a harsh rubbing compound, starting lightly then follow up with some polish. If that doesn't work, you can prob wet sand it out then polish out the fine scratches. But if it is deep and you can see "into" the spot, that is gelcoat problems.

mkcarte2 · Outlaw Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 168 City: raliegh, nc

no i mean they are on the surface like water spots or something, they arent deep or anything

ORIG. FRG · Posted: Apr 08, 2003 10:16 am Post subject:

Wow, wow, B-4 you attempt to compound and polish your gel coat give watered down vinager a try, this gets out all water spots. If that doesn't work then try compound w/o polish (you'll be able to tell if it came out) If that doesn't work get some wet/sand paper 1000 grit and work your way down until it's gone. Then machine polish. Becareful, don't burn through the paint.

Later

Leggester · Posted: Apr 08, 2003 12:34 pm Post subject:

You may also want to try CLR - very lightly!

Calcium, Rust and Lime - great for shower stalls. It's the Tarn-X of water systems.

mkcarte2 · Outlaw Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 168 City: raliegh, nc

i might give the vinegar a whirl, i dont really want to try anything abrasive like sanding until last. Its only at the back of the boat where 2001 is written, its not anywhere else on the gel coat at all. Thanks for all the ideas, if you have anymore keep them coming.

bluefish86 · Posted: Apr 08, 2003 5:37 pm Post subject:

If you use high grit sand paper (like 1000 or more) it should barely rough it up at all, and wont take a lot off quickly. As long as you dont use a power sander, it will be really hard to damage the gel coat, and will definitely clean off the marks. Just remember to polish it when your done.

Mullet Man · Outlaw Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 132 City: SoCal

The vinigre is a very good one to try. I am not sure as to the proper mixture though. Sanding is the last resort. There ar emany rubbing compounds that will do a fine job and make your gelcoat "pop" again. Make sure and get the industrial stuff by 3M. The cutting beads in it desolve as you rub so that it does not continue to cut as you rub. If the spots are severe you may need to rub it out a couple times. Follow with Meguiars #45 boat and RV polish, which ads natural oils back to the open pours in the gelcoat and then use Meguiars #56 or #63 which is a new high end wax. I would never recomend color sanding unless you are experienced at it and have a powered buffer, which is needed to take out the sanding marks. It is a long process with many steps and supplies needed.

mkcarte2 · Outlaw Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 168 City: raliegh, nc

keep the ideas coming, thanks mullet man

Mullet Man · Outlaw Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 132 City: SoCal

Also, if you get the #m stuff make sure it is the light duty rubbing compound. That should be all you need. If you go with the medium or heavy duty then you will need to also use the light duty right before the polish or you will see bad swirl marks. You can purchase the 3M stuff at auto paint supply stores. Can not get it at your local auto store or walmart. Maybe look online.

Mullet Man · Outlaw Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 132 City: SoCal

Here is the stuff to get

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/autobodymagic/3mimmicrubco.html

mkcarte2 · Outlaw Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 168 City: raliegh, nc

that apllications sounds like its for my problem, THANKS!!

tryan · Soul Rider Joined: 06 Feb 2003 Posts: 257

if you mess it up, look at minicraft.com. donald is a nice guy.

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

Wow, Mullet Man is on top of things.

Mullet Man · Outlaw Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 132 City: SoCal

Unfortunately I did some work in a professional detail shop when I was still in High School. We also did some boats. My arm still aches some times just thinking about all that rubbing.

mkcarte2 · Outlaw Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 168 City: raliegh, nc

tryan i pm'd you how would i contact this donald guy at mini-craft his contact us link wasnt working when i tried it today

mkcarte2 · Outlaw Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 168 City: raliegh, nc

never mind, i downloaded his online catalog and got it off of that instead, thanx anyways