remove oxidation

[wakehead]

Hi All,

Summer is around the corner and time to get ready for the season. My 2002 sante is heavily oxidized. The red is actually turning pink Can someone tell me the best products to use that are easily available. I read up on some meguiars stuff and reviews seem to work well. Last season I had tried by hand with some 3m compound and it didnt touch the chalkyness. what steps do i need to follow with what products. Also I have an orbital buffer Makita .. that i can use.

All your input is appreciated.

[j2nh]

My best advice is get it professionally done. I did one of my previous boats, ironically also red to pink, by wet sanding by hand with 800 grit down to polishing compound. Lots of water, and only use a machine if you know what you are doing. The color isn't that deep and you don't want to burn the gelcoat. The goal is to just remove the oxidized layer. My attempt brought the color back to showroom new looking. Good luck and pass on what you do and how it turned out.

[JT96SS]

I used a rubbing compound from 3M, PN 05974. It works amazing. Everyone thought it was a different boat. Bought a wheel and got a pro wool pad, don't run the wheel over 2300 RPM or you could burn the gel coat. I ran it between 1800 and 2000 RPM no problems. Attached is a photo of where I rubbed it out and where I didn't. Makes a mess because the compound sprays so try to cover your interior but it cleans off easily with Spary9 Marine, another amazing product. Just wax it as you normally would when your done.

[nukemustang]

I used a rubbing compound from 3M, PN 05974. It works amazing. Everyone thought it was a different boat. Bought a wheel and got a pro wool pad, don't run the wheel over 2300 RPM or you could burn the gel coat. I ran it between 1800 and 2000 RPM no problems. Attached is a photo of where I rubbed it out and where I didn't. Makes a mess because the compound sprays so try to cover your interior but it cleans off easily with Spary9 Marine, another amazing product. Just wax it as you normally would when your done.

Impressive!! I also appreciate when people use the least intrusive method possible, vice immediately breaking out the sandpaper and doing a whole bunch of "extra" work!

[wakebrd21]

I just started doing mine with 3M super duty rubbing compound, a wool pad, and an electronic buffer from Harbor Freight. You can see the difference between the U and T. You can also see I'm peeling off all the decals and will be replacing them when I'm done.

A question I had is that my buffer is variable speed. Is there a speed I should keep around and not go over?

[JT96SS]

wakebrd21, see my post above, I also used a harbor freight buffer. It lasted long enough to finish my boat and the brushes in it are about worn down to the springs. I didn't have a problem with my stickers using 05974 compound but maybe I just got lucky. stay around 1900 RPM

[wakebrd21]

Thanks JT but it looks like mine goes from 15 to 20. At least that's what the display shows.

[shag]

15-20 rice kernels per minute ^^^^

[Quinner]

The results will be only as good as the effort put in, there really is no shortcuts.

Working backwards from the final step:
Apply a Quality Wax Coat (and keep it waxed so it does not fade again!)
3M Perfect - It (using buffer)
3M Finnese - It (using buffer)
3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound (using buffer)
1200 grit wetsanding paper
1000 grit wetsanding paper
800 grit wetsanding paper
600 grit wetsanding paper

Try the Super Duty first, if it does not cut it, go to 1200 grit, if not cutting it start with 1000 grit, etc. etc.

Once you establish the starting step then take the progressive steps forward until it is ready for wax.

As an alternative you could half azz it and apply some mop and glo and be done in 30 minutes... for the moment.

Good Luck

[obd666]

this is what iv'e used for years to remove and control oxidation, it works great. my boat is orange, so i feel your pain. unless it has been truly neglected in a major way, you shouldn't have to wet sand. good luck ...

[Dandy21]

this is what iv'e used for years to remove and control oxidation, it works great. my boat is orange, so i feel your pain. unless it has been truly neglected in a major way, you shouldn't have to wet sand. good luck ...

I don't see much mention on boat forums about Meguiar's. I have had good luck with their products for both Auto and Marine use.

[phataz]

DONT USE WOOL PAD USE FOAM far better finish

[pe4me]

Quinners has a worse case scenario but is about what did I with my project. I would say start in a area on the under side for practice, and try to start as far up the ladder on Quinners post as possible to get it down to about 4-5 steps. Eg 800-1200-rubbing compound to wax as every step requires the whole boat to be done uniformally. I found it rewarding when I was quoted an outrageous number...but learned fast that they earned it in time and experience because with time, one can become proficient and apply the skills to all of your other toys: sleds, truck, seadoo and all the other finishes in the garage.

[wakehead]

HI Guys,

Thanks for all the responses. I was moving so couldnt reply for a couple days. I am um in canada and at the local hardware stores they have a 3m Product and it says its for heavy oxidiation and wanted ot know if anyone else here has tried or had any luck. The number is 09004.

Of course I will polish as step 2 and then do a wax

[a.klos]

It is all depends on how bad your gel coat is. And this is where you would start. For some 3M compound would be enough if gel shows no or little of oxidation, and for some other boats with heavier oxidation would need a whole wet sanding starting from 600-800 grit sandpaper moving to lesser grit. I'm doing it exactly like quinner said and it turns out great.