Gel Coat Cleaning

[moto132]

I know this question has been asked many times and i searched and found many different answers but here it goes. I bought a 97 super sport over the weekend that needs some lovin. The Gel coat isn's bad just dirty. I have tried a few different cleaners and havent found anything to be successful. There are lots of black scuffs and dirt marks on the top deck and on the white on the side. There is also some slight fading in the grey where the "super sport" used to be. Is there anything i can do besides wet sanding that will take the fad away that isnt a temporary band aid? Thanks in advance i will post pictures soon

[mastercard]

3M Perfect It compound with a wool pad @ 1750 RPM works wonders!

[mrbobolina]

West marine sells a heavy oxidation compound. I think it is a 3m product. If you use that with a rotary buffer at 1500-1800 rpm you are in great shape. You are going to splatter all over though, so don't do it next to your car or else you will be cleaning that too If you are going to do this by hand it will take you forever, the good news is that you will have Popeye arms when you are done.

On the black marks on the deck, they sound like rub rail scuffs. You can usually get that off with a dish scouring pad the red or green one, and acetone. Acetone is the best way to actually clean the gelcoat and it evaporates. This will also remove any wax and polish you have so you will need to rewax, which is a given anyway.

[swc5150]

For the first time, I tried Zing hull cleaner this year, and it worked amazing. Just be sure to wear some gloves and maybe some eye protection if there's a breeze! That stuff burns!