Best wax/polish for gel coat
Discussion
When you say you've been polishing, I assume that's with an Autoglym Super Resin Polish style product rather than an abrasive compound? These have very little cut, and whilst they can bring back a little gloss it's only temporary.
If so, then the next stage would be to try abrasive compounds. GTechniq P1 is very effective by hand, and if used with a machine will run cooler than most compounds which is ideal for gelcoat.
Failing that, then it's wet sanding time followed by P1. I'd start with something like 1000 or 1500 grit, followed by 2000 and 2500 before compounding.
You'll need to cut through the oxidised surface and get back to good gelcoat. Hopefully there should still be some. Work on a 1' x 1' section first to determine what needs to be done rather than a half hearted go over the whole car. Fortunately gelcoat is thicker than paint (usually) so it's fairly safe wet sanding it.
If so, then the next stage would be to try abrasive compounds. GTechniq P1 is very effective by hand, and if used with a machine will run cooler than most compounds which is ideal for gelcoat.
Failing that, then it's wet sanding time followed by P1. I'd start with something like 1000 or 1500 grit, followed by 2000 and 2500 before compounding.
You'll need to cut through the oxidised surface and get back to good gelcoat. Hopefully there should still be some. Work on a 1' x 1' section first to determine what needs to be done rather than a half hearted go over the whole car. Fortunately gelcoat is thicker than paint (usually) so it's fairly safe wet sanding it.
jagnet said:
When you say you've been polishing, I assume that's with an Autoglym Super Resin Polish style product rather than an abrasive compound? These have very little cut, and whilst they can bring back a little gloss it's only temporary.
If so, then the next stage would be to try abrasive compounds. GTechniq P1 is very effective by hand, and if used with a machine will run cooler than most compounds which is ideal for gelcoat.
Failing that, then it's wet sanding time followed by P1. I'd start with something like 1000 or 1500 grit, followed by 2000 and 2500 before compounding.
You'll need to cut through the oxidised surface and get back to good gelcoat. Hopefully there should still be some. Work on a 1' x 1' section first to determine what needs to be done rather than a half hearted go over the whole car. Fortunately gelcoat is thicker than paint (usually) so it's fairly safe wet sanding it.
Yes i have been using autoglym polish will have a couple of days of latter on in the month so will try what you have suggested. There is some crazzing and cracks on the body but trying to make it a bit more pressentiable before the donny kit car show then will respray it next year after my other kit car is built.If so, then the next stage would be to try abrasive compounds. GTechniq P1 is very effective by hand, and if used with a machine will run cooler than most compounds which is ideal for gelcoat.
Failing that, then it's wet sanding time followed by P1. I'd start with something like 1000 or 1500 grit, followed by 2000 and 2500 before compounding.
You'll need to cut through the oxidised surface and get back to good gelcoat. Hopefully there should still be some. Work on a 1' x 1' section first to determine what needs to be done rather than a half hearted go over the whole car. Fortunately gelcoat is thicker than paint (usually) so it's fairly safe wet sanding it.
Get yourself some Farecla G3 cutting compound and follow the instructions.
If you can use a rotary polisher initially with a medium density/ abrasive foam pad and then a with a softer foam pad to finish you will be amazed at the results and will save on elbow grease.
Just remember to keep using plenty of water and don't let the foam pad pause on any bodywork. I find its best to have one person using the machine and another spraying water liberally onto the surface and occasionally applying Farecla very sparingly onto the foam pad.
Finish with some Autoglym or other polish ( Halfords do a range of coloured waxes that will hide old gel coat blemishes and work very well) and your car will be the belle of the donny ball.
Cheers,
Tony
If you can use a rotary polisher initially with a medium density/ abrasive foam pad and then a with a softer foam pad to finish you will be amazed at the results and will save on elbow grease.
Just remember to keep using plenty of water and don't let the foam pad pause on any bodywork. I find its best to have one person using the machine and another spraying water liberally onto the surface and occasionally applying Farecla very sparingly onto the foam pad.
Finish with some Autoglym or other polish ( Halfords do a range of coloured waxes that will hide old gel coat blemishes and work very well) and your car will be the belle of the donny ball.
Cheers,
Tony
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