Color Resteration Tips ???

[hillclimber17]

I'm looking to get my new Toyoat Epic 22 ready for the summer and I was wondering if anyone had tips for bringing the brightness back to the gelcoat.  The boat I bought only 300 hrs but it had been left out side and the color has dulled some.  I also need to put new decals on the boat but thats a different story.  Anyway, If someone know the best way to do this please let me know.  I have to do everything on the trailer, I don't have a lift I can use to get it up in the air.  Thanks in advance,, this is a GREAT site!!

[brad]

On my previous boat I used 3M Fiberglass Restorer & Wax and had good results.

If you post some pic's we might have a better idea on what to suggest.

[wakejunky]

On my old boat I removed all the excessive warning stickers and the color had faded a lot. In order to get it all to match I had to wet sand with 600 grit, followed by 1200 and then polished to perfection with "3M Perfect-It III". It's a long process but the results are absolutely amazing. The boat will look like new. I do not recommend a random orbital buffer, it will not give the cutting or polishing effect you need. I spent big money on a random orbital buffer and it was a waste. I ended up buying a cheap harbor freight polisher/sander for $40 or so and it worked wonders.

Oh yeah remember to wax it when your done. It may look sweet but there is no UV protection in the 3M perfect-it III.

[cyclone]

I have had really good luck with 3M Finesse products. I like the rubbing compound to start, then the polish, then the wax. It takes longer than wet sanding but looks great when finished.

[PSullivan3]

I used the same 3M finesse and the 3M liquid wax the finish looks wet good stuff

[hillclimber17]

Thanks,,,,, I will give it a try. I have a buffing wheel I will get some 3M and go to town.  Hopefully I don't have to wet sand but if the results are not great I will.  When wet sanding on a boat does the color go all the way through the surface? ( I'm 99% sure this is the case)...I just want to make sure I don't sand the color off.  This site is the greatest,,, Thanks to all!!!!!!!!!

[BA2397]

Hillclimber it sounds like you and I have similar situations.  When I bought my Epic 22 my gelcoat was extremely faded, and my trailer was in horrible shape.  (I also had no lift to use).  I ended up investing $2,000 to have the boat repainted and gel coated.  At the same time they fixed my trailer including new boards, carpet, rust repair, and painted to match the boat color.  The 2,000 also included all new decals.  After seeing the boat, I'm certain it was the best $2,000 dollars I ever spent. 

Let me know if you have any questions.

[sailtl]

Who did you get to do all that work for $2k? That sounds like a real deal.

[sailtl]

Where did you get all that work done for 2K?

[BA2397]

The company is called Lakeside Marine Fiberglass located in Topeka KS.  I gave them my boat in January, and told them to keep it as long as they needed.  $2,000 was a great deal due to the fact they were desperate for work to keep them busy over winter. 

[curtis]

BA2397,
Saw the boat heading down the street last night. Looks sweet. Really
sweet compared to before. See you soon.
Call me before you head out of town.
Curtis

[hillclimber17]

Well, I got the boat sanded down with 1000, then 2000 grit.  Started polishing yesterday and it's looking pretty good.  The boat had a few dings that were too deep to get out but overall I think it will turn out pretty good. The color is really coming back!!  When I get all done I will post some photos and you can be the judge.  After I get the outside done I will need some tips on cleaning the upholstery.  Thanks!!!!!!!!

[phenom_1819]

I've used the same wet-sanding technique above for my grimy hull and it came out looking brand new -- I'm sure you'll be happy with the results. 

For the upholstery, use the vinyl cleaner of your choice and a heavy brush.  You won't believe how much dirt and oil will lift from the vinyl...it's pretty gross.  Once the whole boat is done, go over the entire think with 303 UV Protectant to keep the vinyl from fading, and you're good to go.  I usually do this about twice per season.