dull looking fiberglass

[say_der]

Is there any way to brighten up dull looking fiberglass on a boat? This boat has been sitting in the sun for years un-used. It's faded and I think whatever kind of finish was over the color has oxidized. I was thinking of using a type of rubbing compound to remove the oxidation, but will there be any protective finish left?

Thanks.

[Guest]

Apply a rubbing compound and then a good coat of wax. The rubbing compound will take the oxidation off of the glass and the wax will shine it up.

Good luck

[IFallsRon]

Places that sell truck toppers have a product that helps. If it's too faded, you may be out of luck.

[Steve Bakken]

As far as your concerns about taking off any protective finish, there is no "topcoat" or protective finish. Gelcoat is applied to the inside shell of the mould and then the fiberglass laminate is laid on top of the gelcoat. When everything is cured, it's popped out, just like a jello mould. The gelcoat is the outer layer. It has the color mixed right in it, just like the old finishes on the cars 20 years ago. We've seen this gelcoat range in thickness from 1/16th of an inch to up to 1/4 of an inch thick. So you won't buff through it. Just use caution and common sense on the edges and corners if you're usin a machine buffer. What we use at the boat shop is a product made by 3M specifically designed for gelcoat refurbishing. Most automotive supply places should be able to get it for you. Be advised though, that this is very coarse stuff and when your done it will leave "swirlies" or that "spiderweb" look in your finish. We then go over the finish with a finishing compound and a foam pad to remove the fine swirls left behind by the first compound. From there, the best thing you can do is like already stated, keep it waxed and keep it out of the sun as much as possible. Good luck.

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Steve @ Bakken's Boat Shop www.bakkensboatshop.com