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jamesbagnall
United Kingdom
11 Posts |
 Posted - 01 Jan 2013 : 10:36:43
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Happy New Year all!
As per previous posts, I've bought a Norman 20 in original (beige) gelcoat.
It's been standing in a barn for a few years and is absolutely filthy.
I don't want to paint the gel coat, as a quick invetigative clean with a brush and washing up liquid, reveals that it's in decent original condition.
As I've always had painted boats, original gel is a new one for me! Could members advise as to the best way to first of all remove the years of muck, but the best chemicals/methods to do this, and then the process to getting it to shine.
I don't mind some serious elbow grease, as I'm sure that this is the only way. However, any advice or possible ideas of power tools (polishers for example?) would be much appreciated.
Finally, I've read that oxalic acid is a great cleaner for gel coat, but can't be 'scrubbed' - is this correct? Also, I see that 'Bar keepers friend' is a good supermarket source of oxalic acid - is this recommended?
Cheers,
James.
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Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2013 : 12:32:47
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The best way to get the worst off and see what you have to deal with is a good high pressure jet wash. A cold water one is fine, not a hot or steam cleaner. Use it close up and all the physical dirt will be blasted out of the pores. Be careful near wood as a good jetwash will damage or remove lumps of wood.
That will remove all the dirt. Oxalic acid is great for removing certain stains. It is not a general GRP cleaner. It devolves rust stains brilliantly but will not touch other stuff. It works by reacting to the substance in the stain so it does not need scrubbing as it is not an abrasive. It does generally brighten an old hull but it will not remove general dirt. It also needs safety precautions. Gloves and goggles at least. Google around and you will find how to use it. Buy on eBay. Far cheaper and higher concentration than Bar Keepers friend.
So, jet wash, scrub with car shampoo, slop some Oxalic acid on, wash down well with lots of water. Polish and Finish of with a good UV resistant wax.
For the shine you need to look carefully at the polish stage. Check out the Farecla range. Hard work by hand, or use a power mop. There are videos on YouTube. A bit of skill needed though!
Get the worst off and make a decision than.
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
Edited by - Deano on 01 Jan 2013 12:56:56 |
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mlgd_woody
United Kingdom
3 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jan 2013 : 21:46:16
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Hi, If you are happy the best way to get a first class job is to use an orbital sander with fine sandpaper. lightly remove the grime by sanding then polish with wet and dry to bring the Gellcoat back to a medium shine. Finally use a polishing machine with a sponge head (not sheepskin) and cutting compound called G3 make sure you wet the sponge) You should be able to purchase the cutting compound from a good car spares outlet.
Be very careful not to sand too hard and make sure when using the polisher that you do not stay in one place too long otherwise you will cause a friction burn.
For the ultimate shine it would also be worth applying wax to finish the job.
sounds radical but I have used the above process to restore the gellcoat on many boats and can assure you if you take care you will be pleased with the results.
Good luck and enjoy the hard work.
M Aylen |
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Best way to clean VERY dirty gel coat?
