original gel coat

[charliejo]

Hi all,
Any one any tips on how to bring an old boat back to life, we have an old Shetland 536 which is more of a magnolia colour, or an of white I would say, and it’s beginning to look worn, I would like to try and restore the original gel coat back to a nice shine rather than the dull looking colour it is now, any tips on how to do it, what to use would be helpful as I don't know really where to start.
Other jobs required renew the windows and seals, any tips
Small holes in the roof where fish finders etc. have been attached, what's the best product to use to fill these

Any advice on re-ferbs or links on how to sections would be appreciated

Thanks

[vreagh]

Hi,I use a product called G6.It`s used by car body spray shop use after a car is sprayed to blend in with original paintwork.It is much like t-cut but is a paste and slightly more abrasive although it can be made more gentle by dampening the cloth.I have been using this for over forty years on my Shetland 69, following it up with a good wax polish,and people cannot believe the boat was built in 1969 the finish.Be careful on edges and curves as it`s easy to rub through the gel coat if it`s become thin.Hope this helps.Regards, Keith

[charliejo]

Thanks Keith, will certainly be looking for this product, is it on eBay as Farecla G6 rapid liquid compound? If this is the one, it is available in 1 lt bottles, how far will that go?

[vreagh]

Hi, I use the g6 paste in the 3 kgs tubs,lasts for years if properly sealed after use.I would think the liquid is more like T cut but have never tried it.T cut works but is too much like hard work maybe that is why the profesional boys use g6 with orbital polishers.I have to make do with elbow grease.it`s suprising just what a difference it can quickly make to the gelcoat.Regards Keith

[charliejo]

thank you will give it a go cheers Paul

[consumedbynature]

Hi Keith.

I use farecla G3 paste. Do you think the G6 gives a better finish?

Thanks

Billy

[vreagh]

Hi,Can`t remember if I tried g3 but I`ve been using g6 for years and find it`s so easy and simple to adjust the amount of cutting back it does by either wetting the cloth or even mixing a little water to the paste.Considering I`ve been using it for so long,the gel coat is in pristine condition and only in one small area (on edge of cabin top where its easy to put on too much pressure) can the mat just be seen to be grinning through although gel coat and colour is intact still.Regards Keith

[daveflack]

Hi charliejo,re:hole fillng,if you have a local f/glass specialist,take a sample of your hull colour to them they can match it to a colour code,you can then mix this with clear gel for a near perfect match,p.s. re another post (today) why not give shetland a ring ,you never know Cheers Daveflack