07 AR230 HO, gelcoat heavy oxidation removal

[zipper]

Last year shortly after purchasing our Yamaha, we noticed that the deep orange color was fading, as the sun had caused oxidation of the gelcoat. I wanted to wax over it, but that would be like putting lipstick on a pig, so I decided that if I was going to it right, first the graphics would need to be removed.That just made the oxidation, where the graphics did not cover, more obvious. I purchased a kit from Marine 31 with a heavy cut oxidation remover, a final polish and a carnauba wax/sealer with several foam pads. Tried the oxidation remover with the D/A and it did very little. So not wanting to admit failure and call a Professional, I decided to wet sand the hull, It has been a while since iv'e wet sanded that big of a surface, but I bought some paper, 1500 and 2000 grit and started,I wanted to go easy so I hand sanded, probably will use the D/A for the other side if I can locate the paper. It went well and a long way towards restoring the hull to its true color. I did use the Marine 31 products after the wet sanding and they worked well to restore the shine. Here are a few before and after pics. We both like the end result.

 

[Dhow]

Nice job here is mine after major buffing

 

[mdwarchichoke]

nice!

 

[Bruce]

Wow, looks great!

 

[zipper]

@Bruce Thanks, it was worth it, even though my shoulders are tightening up now after a day of continuous circular motion. It looks A LOT better.

 

[Marvin willis]

I haven't wet sanded mine but I have to buff it once a month or two bc it gets streaks down it from water washing away the wax maybe? Looks so good after its buffed. Just wished it lasted longer

 

[Jgorm]

Looks great! ill be doing something similar in the future. I bought the 3m three setup process for gel coat. I just ordered a da (for a car project) to finish up after the dewalt rotary cut and polish.