Raypanic

OK all you glass guys, I want to buff up my gel coat on my boat, The deck is showing signs of wear. nothing bad just minor scratches (Like the ones you get when it is washed with a little dirt) and slight sun fading , a little cloudyness not chalking. I am thinking wet sanding and polishing with a buffer. I have a Air DA 6" orbital sander and a millwakee buffer (0-1750 Rpm).
(uses 3M super buff pads)

Where should I start 1000 grit/2000 grit then what buffing compound(s)? I would like to get that "wet look" agian. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Wally

Try useing some 3M Finnessit(sp?) compound before you go sanding anything......the stuff is great! I wetsanded one of my mini-cats with 1500grit wet and then the 3M stuff and it turned out awesome!

Panther

Depending on how bad your oxidation is, you may not need to sand at all.

I agree with Wally that the 3M stuff is pretty good. But, the grittiest stuff that I could find is a product called Tiger Cut. It is the coursest compound that I have been able to find. Buff it out with the Tiger Cut, then do a round with the 3M compound, then round it all out with a finishing compound with a foam pad. The boat should shine up better than new. I have a black and red boat, so I have been there on done that.

I only had to sand once, and that was because the oxidation was so bad that you could write your name in it with your nail.

If you have to sand, use a graduated scale, and go from 1000 to 1500, then compound, then buff, then wax. Lot's of work!!

Raypanic

I really have no oxidation just a little cloudyness and some fine scratches. Is the speed of my buffer OK or do I need to get a faster one? (1750RPM)

Cignificant

If the scratches are not too deep there is a 3M product I got at NAPA called "Swirl Mark Remover" that is very good. You can use it, and then wax/polish.