Maintaining and Restoring Your Gelcoat

Gelcoat Restoration Guide

Keep your gelcoat in good condition by using these 4 steps:

Wash Surface and Remove Loose Contaminants: Use a non-abrasive light detergent to remove all surface dirt and all previously applied coatings.  3M Marine Boat Soap or Marine Clean

Sometimes you need something stronger to remove surface rust, oil, tar, algae discoloration, black streaks caused from water runoff, exhaust and waterline scum or other stains before waxing or you’ll seal in the stain. Usually you will need an acid-based stain remover like Hull Cleaner, Extra Strong by Tip Top Teak (test in an inconspicuous area first).

If this doesn’t work you may need to use a rubbing compound but do so carefully as you can rub through the gelcoat. Try 3M Marine Rubbing Compound.

One step clean-and-wax products combine washing and waxing in one step, best used on new boats where the finish is in good condition with little or no oxidation. 3M Marine Cleaner and Wax

Restore Gelcoat  Color: If gelcoat oxidation has occurred caused by weathering and UV exposure and cleaning doesn’t remove it,  you need a may need a rubbing compound, depending on severity of the gelcoat oxidation. Test in small patches to determine the speed and pressure works best. 3M Marine Fiberglass Restorer and Wax is a short term cure which usually lasts one season. If a restorer doesn’t remove the oxidation you’ll need a 3M Rubbing Compound and  3M Finesse-it Marine Paste. Compound which contain abrasives that remove a thin layer of gelcoat, exposing a fresh surface. If not used correctly you can remove too much gelcoat and destroy the finish. A compound leaves a scratch pattern and often is followed with 3M Finesse-It II to remove scratches, leaving a slight gloss.

Final Finish:  Protectants are applied by hand in a thin even layer and using a light pressure then buff. Scotchguard Marine Liquid Wax

Maintaining Gloss: Revitalize your gerlcoat gloss without going through all the work again by using  3M Marine Clean and Shine when you wash your boat and before it completely dries