Getting the Grady color back

A

aa331

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Canyon 306
Removing the old name and moving the reg numbers, the original color of the boat is obvious. The gelcoat needs work, no doubt, but I don't think it's that bad. Wondering if starting with rubbing compound has worked for you, or if wet sanding was needed.

Thanks.
 
Hi,
Try Collinite polish first. I can't remember the details of the model number, but it comes in a 16oz clear bottle with blue lettering.
If this doesn't do the trick, here is what I did in the past. Get Dupont #7 rubbing compound. Take a dab and really wet it down with water to a liquid state in a small bucket, then wipe down the fiberglass and wash off. It really takes off the oxidation and leaves the gel coat clean.

Then wax ater cleaning. I use the Meguairs Marine, the Collinite paste is good, but is tough to work with in my opinion.

Good luck.
 
For stubborn stains or heavy oxidation I use rubbing compund (I think paste in a can works better, but I've used both). I use a spray bottle (old windex bottle) and wet the area and 'grind' in the compound with a rag or my buffer if it is a large area. After working on fiberglass boats for more than twenty years I've learned there aren't too many stains that compund won't get out. The stuff I've used is very gritty and really does a great job on gel coat. Any brand will work. Never use it on a car or something besides gelcoat, I suspect you would scratch the paint immediately when applying it. There is something in the paste like pumice or similar, very gritty.

After compounding apply a good coat of wax to protect the finish.
 
I am a Collinites user but i have to tell you that it will not remove oxidation or bring the color back. You have to use rubbing compound and if that doesn't work then you have to wet sand lightly with 400 and work your way up to 1000 grit. Use LOTS of water.
 
I just removed the name and location along with registration numbers on the gunnels above the rub rail. Cleaned everything with spray 9 mixed with bleach. Buffed out with Buff Magic. Hands down the best compound I've ever used. Brought color back and you can't see where anything was. Used 8" buffer at 1500 RPM.
 
I just removed the name and location along with registration numbers on the gunnels above the rub rail. Cleaned everything with spray 9 mixed with bleach. Buffed out with Buff Magic. Hands down the best compound I've ever used. Brought color back and you can't see where anything was. Used 8" buffer at 1500 RPM.
 
Tucker,

What is buff magic? I am in the process of removing the old painted on name. Paint stripper only got me 95% of the paint off..I just washed down the port side with mary kate on and off...she almost looks like a new boat...got rid of the water stains, dirt and brought back dome of her white....but it did nothing for the old name....
 
Thanks so much for your input.
 
Buff Magic is a great product but for your problem you also need a buffer. At some point it is impossible to bring back the original color but you can get close.
Good luck and happy holiday!
 
I have the whole set that Surehold sells, the buffer, two sets of pads, buff magic and the polish. I had bough it two years and used it last year at the beginning of the season to wax my boat did great job. This year i was getting my stuff together to do the my routine wax and guess what, i couldn't find the bag with all my Surehold stuff, so i went and i order another. About a month ago this guy walks to my dock by my boat and gives a Surehold bag with all the good stuff inthere, i thought he was selling it and i told him "thanks but i have one". He said "now you have two, this is the one you left behind last year when you were waxing your boat. OMG, was the guy next to me waxing his boat and picked it up after i left it there by mistake. Talking about an honest guy. Anyway, after all that long story i have one set for sale if you like to have one.
 
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