Gelcoat? Clearcoat??

[play2win]

I may have asked this sometime ago, but here I go again - this time I am ready. I am completely re-doing my 82' Enchanter. The transom and floor are in (hmmmm........that only took me 2 months to prep and complete!). I next have to put the top of boat back on b/c it has killed all the grass on the side of my house. The bow was completely faded and chalked. It was black and silver, it now looks grey on the top. I started wet-sanding this weekend (cleaned surface before hand). I went from 400 to 600, and did half the bow. There was still color there, dull, but black w/silver metalflake. I compounded and waxed a small surface, there is some gloss, but not a true shine. I want to restore back to life. WHAT DO I USE? Can I spray clear coat, and fix this. If so, what particular one do I use? What about gelcoat? To all of you Mate' owners who have done this - please shed some light on this issue, thank you very much.

[play2win]

I may have asked this sometime ago, but here I go again - this time I am ready. I am completely re-doing my 82' Enchanter. The transom and floor are in (hmmmm........that only took me 2 months to prep and complete!). I next have to put the top of boat back on b/c it has killed all the grass on the side of my house. The bow was completely faded and chalked. It was black and silver, it now looks grey on the top. I started wet-sanding this weekend (cleaned surface before hand). I went from 400 to 600, and did half the bow. There was still color there, dull, but black w/silver metalflake. I compounded and waxed a small surface, there is some gloss, but not a true shine. I want to restore back to life. WHAT DO I USE? Can I spray clear coat, and fix this. If so, what particular one do I use? What about gelcoat? To all of you Mate' owners who have done this - please shed some light on this issue, thank you very much.

[play2win]

Oh yeah, I am planning to go to 1200 grit next, that is my next step, forgot to mention

[bdusted440]

600 to 1200 is too big of a jump.Go 800 then 1000.You want to progresivly sand the bigger scratches out with finer one's.Then buff it out with a fast action compound then a leveling compound and then a micro polish. Then apply a few coats of good wax.I've found this way of doing it works very well.Just my 2c. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[play2win]

Thanks bdusted. So, I shouldn't use any clear or gel? I want it to really shine! I've been told that if it looks good wet, then it still has potential to come back to life. Will clear or gel coat do this? If anyone can give me info about what to do or use, I thank you. I can do all prep work (gauges and all else are off boat), and have pro shop spray something.....but what?? Thanks.

[senator-holland]

i used today 600 to 1000 on my senator and it worked well. just had to push not too hard on the paper.
the next thing for me is too make it shine again with a good wax. i don't know which one yet.

[Convincor283]

First Bdusted it correct but if you spray any kind of clear you would want to go with a poly urethane paint because if you go with gelcoat it goes on rough and you would have to start sanding with 400 grit at the finest and work your way to 1200 to get a good shine.

[F150GT]

Play2win
Sounds to me like you really need to reclear the top. My buddys Blue Enchanter was in the same condition, after a couple coats of clear it shined like new and has stayed that way for the last 3 years of marginal upkeep. You dont need to sand any farther than 600 grit if your going to reclear. I would recommend the highest grade automotive clear your paint shop will spray(I like Dupont) There are several quality grades of clear, most body shops use fairily cheap soft clear because it works easier but dosent deliver the deepest shine and protection.
My2cents
F150GT

[play2win]

Thank you for the responses. I took a picture of the bow (if someone can set that up, that would be great - dont know how to post on this site). The first part that was done actually looks pretty good. Went from 600 to 1000 to 1500. I think the senator mentioned not to push too hard on paper...oops...i was using sanding block and applied a good amount of pressure. After hearing so many good things about 3M products, went out and spent a bundle on compound, polish and wax. Wasnt what I expected, returned it (yes, i know, very cheesy), and tried Meguire's 3 part system of oxidation removal, polish, and wax. It came out very nice, no where near original, but nice. The only thing that sucks is that up close, you can see little tiny blotches or pits in finish, what is up with that? You have to see picture to actually realize how banged up the finish looks. thanks again to all

[play2win]

Does anyone have any examples of marine clear that are recommended. I just want to know what I'm looking for.