clay bar on gelcoat?

[rm23j8g]

I'm getting ready to use the Meguiars Fiberglass Restoration System on my '73 boat. It has it's original white gelcoat finish, which, although very dirty and shows some light oxidation, looks like it will polish up just fine.
My question is...is there any reason to use...or not use, a clay bar after washing the boat...like one would do with a car? Would it be beneficial or not worth the effort on gelcoat? This is my first experience with gelcoat. It's not a huge boat, so the labor to do it wouldn't be that bad.
thanks

[BillE]

Re: clay bar on gelcoat?

From my experience...nope.

Clay just (again for me) doesn't work on gel coat.

Working on well oxidized gel is just plain...work. But in the end, it is worth it.

Are you doing this by hand or machine?

Bill

[rm23j8g]

Re: clay bar on gelcoat?

I'll be using a Porter Cable 7424XP with Meguiars 7006, 8006 and 9006 pads with the Meguiars Fiberglass Restoration Kit.
At least, that's my plan!

[rm23j8g]

Re: clay bar on gelcoat?

The only thing that made me thing of doing it was...they use clay a lot on Corvettes. But, then again, that's paint on top of gelcoat and not bare gelcoat. I guess that makes the difference.

[BillE]

Re: clay bar on gelcoat?

I'll be using a Porter Cable 7424XP with Meguiars 7006, 8006 and 9006 pads with the Meguiars Fiberglass Restoration Kit.
At least, that's my plan!

Looks good!

Do a test section before you take on the whole boat. That way you will know if the #49 removes all the 'uglies'. Don't be surprised if you have to attact the same area more than once.

Just take your time and SMALL sections at a time.

As for the 'Vette vs gelcoat...yup, painted surface.

Bill

PM sent

[rm23j8g]

Re: clay bar on gelcoat?

I have almost finished the whole boat with the #49 today. It really must have been minimal oxidation as it came off much more easily than I anticipated...thankfully.
This first step shined it up so much, I'm really excited about what the polish and then the wax will add to it.
I'm taking a well deserved break right now, and have all day tomorrow reserved to finish up. This is also my first experience with a Porter Cable. That thing is bound to take a few pound off of me...that is one vibrating machine. I'll be tingling for a week!

[BillE]

Re: clay bar on gelcoat?



Congrats!!!

If ya get a chance, post some pictures. At least take some for your own 'portfolio'...it's nice to just show off some times.

Bill

[fordf150]

Re: clay bar on gelcoat?

Curious, what pad did you end up using for the bulk of the oxidation removal?

[scottn83]

Re: clay bar on gelcoat?

I know this thread is a little old but I would be interested to in what pad and setting you used for the ox removal, the polish and the wax. I just ordered the Meguiar's gel coat restore kit and i also have the 7424xp

[Tuck91]

Re: clay bar on gelcoat?

I know this thread is a little old but I would be interested to in what pad and setting you used for the ox removal, the polish and the wax. I just ordered the Meguiar's gel coat restore kit and i also have the 7424xp

What are you working on?

Your off to a good start regarding tools and materials.

What condition is the finish of your boat/rv in?