Bring back shine on fiber glass boat?

Question

The top of my fiber glass boat, is faded from the sun. How can one get the fade out, and bring back the shine?

Answer 1

I agree with Mark T. You can use a quality buffing compound like 3-M. Set your buffer at 4 or 5 and just watch what your doing so as you dont "burn" through the gel-coat. Mainly on the edges do you have to worry about cutting through the gel-coat. Sling some compound and buff away and watch the shine return. Enjoy your boat and Happy Boating.

Answer 2

Although 3M makes a myriad of products for boat care, I prefer Starbrite for deck and hull maintenance. Since what you describe seems to be heavy chalk and oxidation, I'd go with Starbrite One-Step cleaner wax and then Starbrite marine polish AFTER using boatsoap to wash your vessel.

I'd be extremely wary of using an aggressive compound like T-Cut or even rubbing/buffing/polishing compound which can quickly blast through your gelcoat, creating a whole new world of hurt for you. I've seen it done in our boatyard... not pretty.

We've a 1980 Aloha 27' and she still looks great!

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I have tried a bunch and would say to use 3M Fiberglass Restorer Wax. Fantastic product. Use a machine and the results will look very good.