Penetrol looks good for the first few months, then oxidizes with a
yellow cast.
Best for gelcoat restoration is to wet sand off the oxidized surface
with 2000 grit wet and dry followed by power buffing with a high speed
autobody shop buffer with pure lambswool bonnets (1 bonnet per grit
size). Polishing grits used in sequence 1000, 1300, 2000. Followup with
an application of carnauba paste wax applied with water and hand rubbed
into the pores, followed by a power buff.
Process will usually restore gelocat to NEW condition if there is
sufficient depth remaining, otherwise paint the sucker. Thbe above
process is what is done to a NEW hull when its pulled from its mold to
remove irregularities, hazes and blemishes.

If you keep the gelcoat (new or restored) fully sealed with wax to
prevent oxidation you wont have to restore it. BTW - stip any wax
yearly with caustic to remove the oxidized wax which will promote
oxidation of the gelcoat.

There are several snake-oil treatments on the market that cover the
oxidized gelcoat with a polymer ... and they look like hell in
comparison to a buffed and restored hull.


Skip Gundlach wrote:
I've got a fiberglass boat which could use some luster restoration. I've
heard reports, but none first-hand, about Penetrol. Some have said direct
opposites - that it gives a great, deep, restoration, and that it doesn't
work, and causes long-term dullness, but I don't recall any who had
personally used it.

If there are any here who have personally used Penetrol to restore
fiberglass gelcoat luster, I'd be interested to know the results - were they
good, bad or indifferent, and would you do it again/how long did it last/did
it have negative long-term results, etc. In particular, any who have done
so on glitter surfaces would be welcomed.

Since I don't get here all that often, a direct response as well as to the
group would be appreciated. myname at earthlink dot net is more reliable
than the uga one....

Thanks.

L8R

Skip

--

"And then again, when you sit at the helm of your little ship on a clear
night, and gaze at the countless stars overhead, and realize that you are
quite alone on a great, wide sea, it is apt to occur to you that in the
general scheme of things you are merely an insignificant speck on the
surface of the ocean; and are not nearly so important or as self-sufficient
as you thought you were. Which is an exceedingly wholesome thought, and one
that may effect a permanent change in your deportment that will be greatly
appreciated by your friends."- James S. Pitkin