Black Gelcoat repair- final finish

[SAG JUNKY]

I have taken a scratch out my gel coat which is black, and can't seem to get that mirror wet look back. The last compound I used was a Glazing one with a 3m Foam wheel. It is close... but not what I would like to see. any help on a special brand of compound would be GREATLY appreciated.

[SacRiverRat]

what did you use before the glazing?

[vlx wakesetter]

I'm supprised the 3m hand glaze (assuming that's what you used) didn't work. I used to detail and that stuff is great for getting scratches out,swirl marks, and a little bit of spider webs in the paint.

[SacRiverRat]

I'm supprised the 3m hand glaze (assuming that's what you used) didn't work. I used to detail and that stuff is great for getting scratches out,swirl marks, and a little bit of spider webs in the paint.

It could depend on what he used before the glaze... ie; if you used 200 grit paper to remove the scratch, then tried to use the glaze.. the results wouldn't be so great (or you'd have to glaze for a long time )

[SAG JUNKY]

what did you use before the glazing?

3M's Marine polishing compound (by hand). Then the glazing, then a polish...I'm wondering if the 3M glazing is just a better product to use

[LS-One]

What is your buffer RPM ? Should be at least 1500 rpm. Switch to a buffing wheel similar to this, should be available at an auto paint store. There also a step between sand papaer and glaze it used to be called rouge it came in a stick form (looked like a clay red stick of butter) you rub it on a spinning buffer wheel like pictured below and apply it to the gel coat.

Edited May 31, 2007 by LS-One

[SAG JUNKY]

What is your buffer RPM ? Should be at least 1500 rpm. Switch to a buffing wheel similar to this, should be available at an auto paint store. There also a step between sand papaer and glaze it used to be called rouge it came in a stick form (looked like a clay red stick of butter) you rub it on a spinning buffer wheel like pictured below and apply it to the gel coat.

I have a variable speed buffer that reaches up to 3k. I am using two diiferent types of foam wheels by 3m. A compound one and a finishing one, I have also tried a whool one and it made it worse. Looks like I'm back to the store to look at the wheels again. I'll ask about the clay bar too.

[VinRLX]

Is this the stuff you used? Be careful with terminology that is not necessarily consistent between manutacturers. I would consider a glaze to be a last step prior to waxing. However, I would use the product I listed above prior to polishing and waxing.

Your experience with the wool pad doesn't surprise me--they are more aggressive, will remove gelcoat, and need to be followed with finishing-type products.