Wet Sanding and Buffing Question

[Stratos282]

Hello,
I have started working on my boat based in the wealth of info in the restoration forum. I have gone over my top cap with 1500 grit, 2000 grit, and rubbing compound. One side of the boat is near perfect and looks amazing. The other side that has a bit more sun damage is not coming along as well as hoped. Now to my question...

The surface is smooth as a baby's back but should I maybe go over with a more course sandpaper and work my way back up? Should I just let it be and realize that with the damage and fading that this is as good as it's going to get? You can see in the pic below where I went over a section with the polish after rubbing compound and it does help but is not near as good as the other side of the boat. Thanks for your help!

[Stratos282]

Here is a pic of the other side so you can see how much better it came out.

[BASSCAT7]

Looks like there is still oxidation on that side. The dull/darker areas on the cap radius looks like it is imbedded deeper in the gelcoat.
Try a spot with coarser paper.
Youmight have to drop to 800/1000 to get it all off, then work up to 1500.

[Stratos282]

Thanks Basscat7, I was afraid that was the case. What sucks is I blew a lot of rubbing compound on that side already but it is what it is.

This is VERY labor intensive but well worth the rewards. The kids love playing in the water while I am sanding too

[Stratos282]

I picked up some 800 and 1000 and will give it a go. Thanks again!

[kirbylp]

looks so much better than the before...

[Stratos282]

Thanks, it has been a lot of work. I got a bad sinus infection right when I started and had been hanging on for 2 weeks Otherwise I would have been done a long time ago.

Since I switched to 800 I am going through a lot more sandpaper. It looks like it's getting most of the remaining oxidation off. If I dry an area I just sanded it looks like there is still some traces. What are my options of the 800 still isn't enough? I was advised to not go past 800.

[BASSCAT7]

800 should be enough, keep changing paper and water until the water runs clear off the gel, any milkiness in the water and you are still getting oxidation off.

[Stratos282]

Thanks Bass, I wasn't sure if the milky color was from the oxidation or the gelcoat itself. I will keep at it once I reattach my arm... It fell off from all the sanding