Gel coat is the outer layer of fiberglass. Its structural value is not significant. However, it gives the product its shine and color. In addition, it offers protection to the hull. Read on to know more on how to restore faded fiberglass.
Exposure and time usually erode the outer layer. This makes the item look chalky and dull. However, you do not have to worry about this because it is a problem which can be fixed easily. The initial phase is to clean the product. Lukewarm water is preferred. If possible, use some detergent and a sponge. Nevertheless, you ought to don on some gloves to protect your hands.
If mildew is present, bleach will have to be utilized in the cleaning process. Additionally, concentrated cleaning formulation should be used when stubborn stains are present. The surface should be rinsed with clean water so that all the detergent present is washed away. Thereafter, allow the item to dry off. If you are in a hurry, you can dry it manually.
Ensure there are no traces of oil before proceeding. Cleaning alone cannot guarantee this. That is why you need to get more serious oil removers. They include acetone and MEK. Make sure there are several cotton cloths to use in removing the oil. After accomplishing this you can wax the fiberglass. This is an essential step which helps in prolonging the life of the product.
Do not forget to go through the instructions of the wax manufacturers before you apply the product. Different brands come with different instructions. However, you will need a pad to use in applying it in almost all the brands. Circular motions ought to be employed in the process. The excess wax need to be removed through buffing.
Polishing comes next after waxing. An abrasive is required. Sandpaper can be utilized but it has to be fine. All pitted areas should be leveled. You cannot accomplish this by applying paint or wax coats. To make the work easier and systematic, divide the surface into sections. You must keep on polishing until you can see your clear reflection on the fiberglass. Thereafter, apply a single coat of wax to protect the surface. Some polishing kits have wax.
Sometimes the product is worn significantly. In such a case, even polishing will not give back its shine. You will have to use a very strong abrasive during the scrubbing. You should remove any remaining wax on the surface before you begin polishing it. It can make the compound appear uneven. While clearing the wax, do not move up and down but rather on a straight line. Toluene or a de-waxing solution should be utilized.
The last step is application of a restorer. There are so many brands in the market. However, they mode of action is not different from that of wax. However, you do not have to buff the item after applying the restorer. The results are stunning. However, remember that the product flakes off leading to discoloration over time. Thus, you will have to do this more often.
Exposure and time usually erode the outer layer. This makes the item look chalky and dull. However, you do not have to worry about this because it is a problem which can be fixed easily. The initial phase is to clean the product. Lukewarm water is preferred. If possible, use some detergent and a sponge. Nevertheless, you ought to don on some gloves to protect your hands.
If mildew is present, bleach will have to be utilized in the cleaning process. Additionally, concentrated cleaning formulation should be used when stubborn stains are present. The surface should be rinsed with clean water so that all the detergent present is washed away. Thereafter, allow the item to dry off. If you are in a hurry, you can dry it manually.
Ensure there are no traces of oil before proceeding. Cleaning alone cannot guarantee this. That is why you need to get more serious oil removers. They include acetone and MEK. Make sure there are several cotton cloths to use in removing the oil. After accomplishing this you can wax the fiberglass. This is an essential step which helps in prolonging the life of the product.
Do not forget to go through the instructions of the wax manufacturers before you apply the product. Different brands come with different instructions. However, you will need a pad to use in applying it in almost all the brands. Circular motions ought to be employed in the process. The excess wax need to be removed through buffing.
Polishing comes next after waxing. An abrasive is required. Sandpaper can be utilized but it has to be fine. All pitted areas should be leveled. You cannot accomplish this by applying paint or wax coats. To make the work easier and systematic, divide the surface into sections. You must keep on polishing until you can see your clear reflection on the fiberglass. Thereafter, apply a single coat of wax to protect the surface. Some polishing kits have wax.
Sometimes the product is worn significantly. In such a case, even polishing will not give back its shine. You will have to use a very strong abrasive during the scrubbing. You should remove any remaining wax on the surface before you begin polishing it. It can make the compound appear uneven. While clearing the wax, do not move up and down but rather on a straight line. Toluene or a de-waxing solution should be utilized.
The last step is application of a restorer. There are so many brands in the market. However, they mode of action is not different from that of wax. However, you do not have to buff the item after applying the restorer. The results are stunning. However, remember that the product flakes off leading to discoloration over time. Thus, you will have to do this more often.
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