lime or calcium on gelcoat

[mjohnh]

I have a 2005 Albin 28TE, blue hull, and have owned it for about 4.5 years. It is located in SW Michigan and is in heated winter storage each winter. I have spent hours to try to improve the hull from what I have ASSUMED was oxidation each winter. Last winter I wet sanded and used compounds with a buffer and then wax. Still little improvement.

This winter I discovered ZING. I used it and it totally dissolved my "oxidation", which turned out to be minerals picked up from the water. You have to be careful as the product is an acid. I used rubber gloves and still got acid burns on my wrist. Use long rubber gloves and then follow directions. You can cut it with about 30% water and still get good results. Be careful to not inhale fumes and use a mask to protect your lungs.

After that I used SIO2, a "nano-technology" polymer, of which there are several on the market , and the most brilliant shine on the blue hull that I have ever had,. Comparatively, much less work than past years. So, what you think is oxidation may be an accumulation of minerals and easily removed. Good luck

[DougSea]

Thanks for the post. Any before/after pics?

I've been thinking of Poli-Glow for the boat this year, but will check out SIO2

[mjohnh]

Sorry...no pics that would help.....be careful with the "Zing"...it is muriatic acid..I have some burns on my wrist as my glove was not long enough....

[efishnsea]

How is that treatment holding up

[efishnsea]

OK guys spent the weekend working on removing what appeared at first to be oxidation. turns out it was some coating that was applied on the blue gelcoat. After sanding a test spot with 1000 grit I wiped area with acetone to find residue became gummy and wiped off with some effort. After two gallons of acetone and about 12 hours removed all residue old lettering and a pin stripe and found my 19 year old gelcoat in pretty acceptable condition. Now its on to the next step a light compound and wax. getting strong wax on wax off. Bob

[nebulatech]

getting strong wax on wax off. Bob

Not jealous of you... I'm glad you figured it out, thanks for sharing!

What compound are you using? I've compounded about a dozen boats, and I found that I really like Farecla G3 compound, but looking at their website they have new stuff and may be sunsetting the G3 line, so I'm going to have to try something new. Their polymer topcoat "wax" for aircraft was amazing stuff; wipes off easy and leaves a very soft feel, lasts about a season. That's gone from their website now too

[efishnsea]

I have been partial to 3M products but have had good results with buff magic from shurhold.

[nebulatech]

I just read a little about the Buffalo Magic. Seems like a slower speed for heavy cutting, faster speed for lighter polish. So basically, you don't need swirl remover. Interesting, I'll try it when my G3 runs out. I appreciate the tip!