I have a 2001 stratos ss extreme white and red. most of the top cap is all white. I purchased the boat from some one who left it outside uncovered for three years. I tried gel coat restorer and polish but surface still feals rough. It is not bright and shiney like it should be. The surface isnt that bad but I'm pretty sure the gell-clear coat is gone because the flake in one section is rough. Is 600 a good place to start or should I go higher, and should I sand ina wiping or circular motion?
The clear gel is probably thicker than you think, The rough feeling may be oxidation. I always like to start with as fine as possible. IMO i would start with 1000 and work up. I like to finish the sanding with at least 2000 or even 2500 when i can find it. Makes the buffing go extremely easy and quick. Just try a small section and do all the steps (even the buffing)and it you'll know if you need to hit it with 600 and then work up. 1000 grit will remove the same "roughness" as 600, it just takes longer.
Also sand back and forth always go in the same direction. Use plenty of water and fresh paper, especially in the beginning stages of sanding. As you start cutting into the fresh gel the smell will change, to me it smells like grapes. When you begin with the 1000 the water will look very white and as you cut the gel down to fresh it will begin to clear up and look more like 1% milk. When i see that i start going over it with 1200, then 1500, then 2000. Wash it down good then buff it. This is where you will start to grin and the work will feel definitely worth it.
Any more questions just ask.
2011 Z6, 2011 115 optimax
Be careful on your rough flake area and use a good sealer. The thing is be MORE careful on your white sold gel as there is usually use LESS clear on solid gel. Just something to think about, I'd start a high grit on the white, lower on the flake except where the rough flake spot is.
thanks again djarrett i'll let you know how it turns out.
Thanks arjone01, thanks for all the great tips
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