What is Gelcoat?

Boat Gelcoat is a protective and decorative layer used to coat the exterior surface of boats, giving them a glossy, weathered finish. However, exposure to sun, salt water and other elements can cause gelcoat to lose its original shine, making it dull and oxidized. Fortunately, with proper polishing and the use of a professional abrasive paste, you can restore the boat to its original shine.

To keep your boat looking its best at all times, it is essential to use specific products such as ANKHOR 500 and 1400, professional abrasive pastes for gelcoat, and WAXEE, a super-polishing and protective paste for stainless steel. These products ensure a flawless finish and lasting protection against the elements.

Step 1: Gelcoat hull treatment

The first step in restoring the shine of the gelcoat boat is to remove oxidation, stains and surface scratches. This can be done with ANKHOR 500, a 500-grit professional abrasive paste designed to gently treat the surface of gelcoat. Here’s how to do it:

1. Surface cleaning: Wash the boat thoroughly with mild soap and water, removing dirt, salt and algae.
2. Application of polishing abrasive paste: Use a low-speed electric polisher with a soft pad, applying a small amount of ANKHOR 500. Pass the polisher in slow, circular motions to evenly distribute the product.
3. Residue removal: Use a microfiber cloth (FLUFFY) to remove residue and check that all imperfections have been removed.

This process helps prepare the surface for the next step by removing deep oxidation and light scratches from the boat’s gelcoat.

Step 2: Final gelcoat polish

After removing the marks from the gelcoat, a final treatment is needed to restore the shine and protect the surface. For this, use the gelcoat polish ANKHOR 1400, a fine-grit polishing abrasive paste. Follow these steps:

1. Polish application: Use a clean new pad on the polisher and apply ANKHOR 1400 evenly. Always keep a low speed to avoid overheating.
2. Uniform movements: Pass the polisher in slow, linear movements to distribute the gelcoat polish over the entire surface.
3. Final hand polish: Use a soft cloth to perform a final hand polish, resulting in a shiny, glossy surface.

This final step adds a layer of protection against UV rays and salt water, prolonging the gelcoat’s life.

Step 3: Treatment of stainless steel accessories

Stainless steel boat accessories, such as grab bars and railings, can oxidize or lose their luster due to exposure to the marine environment. To restore their luster, follow these steps using METALBRIL, a highly effective and protective polishing paste for steel:

1. Preliminary cleaning: Thoroughly clean steel accessories before applying any product.
2. Application of abrasive paste: Apply a small amount of abrasive paste for stainless steel METALBRIL with a soft cloth, concentrating on the oxidized or scratched areas.
3. Polishing with WAXEE: After removing imperfections with the abrasive paste, apply WAXEE for a final steel polish. WAXEE not only restores stainless steel to its original luster, but also provides a lasting protective layer against oxidation and weathering.

WAXEE, with its polishing and protective properties, is ideal for keeping your boat’s stainless steel accessories shiny and wear-resistant.

Step 4: Cleaning and polishing the plastic parts of the boat

In addition to gelcoat and stainless steel fittings, many boats and yachts have plastic components that require maintenance to preserve their transparency and shine. Major plastic parts found on boats include plexiglass windshields, acrylic windows, hatches, and inspection caps. These surfaces can become scratched, dulled, and damaged from exposure to UV light and marine weathering.

To keep these plastic parts shiny and transparent, you should use a professional abrasive paste such as META, specifically designed for plastic and glass. Here are the steps for effective treatment:

1. Preliminary Cleaning: Before beginning the polishing process, thoroughly clean plastic surfaces with water and a mild detergent, making sure to remove dust, sand and salt residue that could further scratch the surface.
2. Application of META abrasive paste: Use a soft cloth or polisher with a pad specifically for delicate surfaces. Apply a small amount of META, the abrasive paste for plastic and glass, to the surface and begin working in circular motions. META abrasive paste is ideal for removing light scratches, dulling marks and surface oxidation without damaging plastic parts.
3. Final polish: Once scratches and imperfections have been removed, use a microfiber cloth to perform a final hand polish, thereby restoring the original transparency and shine to plastic surfaces.

This treatment is essential for keeping the boat’s plastic parts in excellent condition, ensuring clear visibility and a neat appearance. Regular use of META professional abrasive paste will help extend the life of plastic surfaces, preserving their aesthetics and functionality.