The shine is back!

OK here are some before and after pics.


This is a before pic (panoramic, two pics joined)


close up of scratches


close up of faded gel coat


Now the after pics...


looking better...


I can see my reflection!


close up of faded gel coat after Sanding/Buffing


Another close up of faded gel coat after sanding/buffing

I sanded the deep scratches starting with 220 and working up to 1000, sanded the entire gel coat with 600 then 1000 then buffed with this stuff



I tried some rubbing compound that I bought, but the 3m stuff worked better, I used a high speed buffer I bought at Harbor Freight for $29.00 with a 4 layer wool pad keeping it clean with a buffing spur. (first time I have ever used a buffer of any kind!)

I still have to apply a coat of wax, but thought it would be best to wait until after I put the top red strip back on. I wasn't planing on replacing the bottom strip, it's not that bad. I'm up in the air on replacing the letters this year, letters are expensive and I don't know if I trust myself putting them on. May wait until next year, I don't know.

Alright give me some feedback, How am I doing, what should I do next, what am I doing wrong...
where can I get new letters cheap and how hard is it to put them on...

Randy, the shine looks good!

I have a hard time believing that the fibergla$$ restorer/wax would remove 1000 grit scratches, though. I bet if you compounded and then polished, the shine would be deeper and last longer.

Before you apply the new pinstriping or decals, wash the boat good with dish soap or wipe down the gel with acetone. You dont want any wax under the stickers. Wax should be the last protective layer you put on.

Very nice job. Boy I bet you are glad your buddy let this boat go!

john

jbear- thanks, yeah I sure am glad he let it go. Especially for the price he sold it to me for.

MM- I am going to keep the red pinstripe it matches the red strip on the interior, I don't think I'm going to replace the lower strip this year. it's not that bad, sits motley below the water line, and would be a pain to replace since it's two stripes (1/2" and 1/4" with a 1/4" space between) the auto body supply shop up the road has 100' of 3m red 1/2" strip for $20 it looks like it will match.

Whats up Dude?

I apply the 3m with damp sponge covered with terry cloth applicator (somewhat heavy) then buff at high speed with the wool pad. I clean the pad out with the spur and then hit it again lightly. finally I wipe it clean with a towel.

Thanks, I'm pretty happy with how it is coming, I think once I get it done it's going to look nice. I think I will take Hollywoods advice and wait till next year to do the lettering and decals. see how it holds up first.

Eric, How much do you think it would cost to get the "SPORT NAUTIQUE" on both sides, reprinted? How does he match it up? Do I have to peel off a sample to give him or can he get the templates? actually, if you look closely now, you can tell certain letters have been replaced before. I confirmed this with the previous owner.

let us know what Mcquiers you use.