Marine

Gelcoat

How to Restore Scratched or Heavily Weathered Gelcoat (light-coloured)

Gelcoat, the outermost layer on the surface of a boat, plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and protection. Over time, it can suffer from heavy scratching and weathering, leading to a dull and worn appearance. This damage not only affects the visual appeal of the vessel but can also expose underlying structures to harmful environmental factors.

For light-coloured gelcoat that has been scratched or heavily weathered, we recommend a two-step solution with Profile 200 Select and Profile 700 Finish. Starting with Profile 200 Select, the surface is restored, removing scratches and weathering. This process revives the gelcoat, returning it to its original condition. Then, to heighten the shine and bring the surface to a mirror-like finish, a second step of polishing with Profile 700 Finish is applied.

Gelcoat Cutting Process

Gelcoat Polishing Process

Products Used in This Solution

Where to get these products

Gelcoat Cutting Process

Step 1: Profile 200 Select

Make sure the surface is clean, dry and cold. Shake bottle well before use.

Step 2: Apply compound

Apply a small amount of Profile 200 Select to a G Mop Wool Compounding Pad.

Step 3: Polish at high speed

Spread it over the surface and polish at HIGH SPEED (2000 - 3500 rpm).

Polishing white gelcoat with a G Mop Single Sided Wool Pad

Step 4: Let the machine do the work

Apply MINIMUM PRESSURE and keep the applicator flat on the surface. Let the machine do the work. Clean it and repeat if necessary.

Gelcoat Polishing Process

Step 1: Profile 200 Select

For increased gloss, polish with Profile 700 Finish after using Profile 200.

Polishing white gelcoat with a G Mop Black Finishing Foam

Step 2: Choose your polishing pad

Use a G Mop Lambswool Pad or a G Mop 8" or 6" Finishing Foam. The Lambswool pad (available in 8" or 6" size) works faster than the Foams, but the final shine level is slightly lower than achievable with a Foam applicator.

Step 3: Slow down the polisher

Machine speed in all cases 800-1100 rpm (or for dual action polishers 3000opm).

Products Used in This Solution

Profile 200 Select Liquid Compound

Profile 200 SELECT Coarse Cut Liquid Compound eliminates sanding marks and heavy defects from production and tooling gelcoat surfaces.

Image of 2 Wool Pads - Text Underneath reads "200 mm"

G Mop Twisted Wool Compounding Pads

200 mm Single & Double Sided | The G Mop Twisted Wool Compounding Pad is a 4 ply, 100% wool applicator. It has the highest cut of any polishing applicator.

Profile 700 Finish Light Cut Polish and Swirl Remover

Profile 700 FINISH Light Cut Polish and Swirl Remover eliminates minor defects and swirls from paint, lacquer and gelcoat surfaces, leaving a mirror shine finish

Image of 1 Black Pad - Text Underneath Reads "200 mm"

New

G Mop Black Waffle Finishing Foam

200 mm | The G Mop Waffle Finishing Foam is a new soft-backed, waffle-faced compounding foam.

Image of 3 Wool Pads - Text Underneath reads "75 mm", "150 mm" and "200 mm"

G Mop Lambs Wool Pads

75 mm, 150 mm & 200 mm | The G Mop Lambs Wool Pad is constructed using natural sheepskin and a velour backing. It gives a high cut and great finish, depending on the product used.

G PLUS FINISHING CLOTH - 1 Unfolded Yellow Cloths on a White Background

G Plus Microfibre Finishing Cloth

G Plus Finishing Cloths are ideal for quick cleaning and drying jobs. Its microfibre technology grips dust and small dirt particles, and the cloth’s edgeless finish prevents damaging and scratches.